Imaging element, stacked imaging element, and solid-state imaging device

ABSTRACT

An imaging element of the present disclosure includes a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode  21 , a photoelectric conversion layer  23 A, and a second electrode  22  that are stacked, in which a protection layer  23 B including an inorganic oxide, and an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer  23 C are formed from side of the photoelectric conversion layer directly below the photoelectric conversion layer  23 A.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an imaging element, a stacked imaging element, and a solid-state imaging device.

BACKGROUND ART

In recent years, a stacked imaging element is drawing attention as an imaging element included in an image sensor or the like. The stacked imaging element has a structure in which a photoelectric conversion layer (light receiving layer) is sandwiched between two electrodes. In addition, it is necessary that the stacked imaging element have a structure for accumulating and transferring signal charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer on the basis of photoelectric conversion. In a currently available structure, it is necessary to provide a structure in which the signal charge is accumulated in and transferred to a FD (Floating Drain) electrode, and it is necessary to achieve such fast transfer as to avoid delay of the signal charge.

An imaging element (photoelectric conversion element) for solving such an issue is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-063165.

The imaging element includes:

-   -   an accumulation electrode formed on a first insulating layer,     -   a second insulating layer formed on the accumulation electrode,     -   a semiconductor layer formed to cover the accumulation electrode         and the second insulating layer,     -   a collecting electrode formed in contact with the semiconductor         layer and formed at a distance from the accumulation electrode,     -   a photoelectric conversion layer formed on the semiconductor         layer, and     -   an upper electrode formed on the photoelectric conversion layer.

The imaging element in which an organic semiconductor material is used for a photoelectric conversion layer is able to perform photoelectric conversion of a specific color (wavelength band). Having such a characteristic, in the case where the imaging element is used as an imaging element in a solid-state imaging device, makes it possible to obtain a structure including stacked subpixels (stacked imaging element) that is difficult to obtain with an existing solid-state imaging device. In the structure, a combination of an on-chip color filter layer (OCCF) and an imaging element constitutes a subpixel, and the subpixels are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern (see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-138927). Furthermore, because a demosaic treatment is unnecessary, the imaging element has an advantage of not generating false colors. In the following description, in some cases, an imaging element including a photoelectric conversion section provided on or above a semiconductor substrate is referred to as an “imaging element of a first type” for the sake of convenience; the photoelectric conversion section included in the imaging element of the first type is referred to as a “photoelectric conversion section of the first type” for the sake of convenience; an imaging element provided in the semiconductor substrate is referred to as an “imaging element of a second type” for the sake of convenience; and a photoelectric conversion section included in the imaging element of the second type is referred to as a “photoelectric conversion section of the second type” for the sake of convenience.

FIG. 72 illustrates a configuration example of an existing stacked imaging element (stacked solid-state imaging device). In an example illustrated in FIG. 72, a third photoelectric conversion section 343A and a second photoelectric conversion section 341A are stacked and formed in a semiconductor substrate 370. The third photoelectric conversion section 343A and the second photoelectric conversion section 341A are photoelectric conversion sections of the second type, and are included in a third imaging element 343 and a second imaging element 341 that are imaging elements of the second type. In addition, a first photoelectric conversion section 310A, which is a photoelectric conversion section of the first type, is disposed above the semiconductor substrate 370 (specifically, above the second imaging element 341). Here, the first photoelectric conversion section 310A includes a first electrode 321, a photoelectric conversion layer 323 including an organic material, and a second electrode 322. The first photoelectric conversion section 310A is included in a first imaging element 310 that is an imaging element of the first type. The second photoelectric conversion section 341A and the third photoelectric conversion section 343A photoelectrically convert, for example, blue light and red light, respectively, owing to a difference in absorption coefficient. In addition, the first photoelectric conversion section 310A photoelectrically converts, for example, green light.

The electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion in the second photoelectric conversion section 341A and the third photoelectric conversion section 343A is temporarily accumulated in the second photoelectric conversion section 341A and the third photoelectric conversion section 343A. Thereafter, a vertical transistor (a gate section 345 is illustrated) and a transfer transistor (a gate section 346 is illustrated) transfer the electric charge to a second floating diffusion layer (Floating Diffusion) FD₂ and a third floating diffusion layer FD₃, respectively, and the electric charge is further outputted to an external readout circuit (not illustrated). The transistors and the floating diffusion layers FD₂ and FD₃ are also formed in the semiconductor substrate 370.

The electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion in the first photoelectric conversion section 310A is accumulated in a first floating diffusion layer FD₁ formed in the semiconductor substrate 370 through a contact hole section 361 and a wiring layer 362. In addition, the first photoelectric conversion section 310A is also coupled to a gate section 352 of an amplification transistor that converts the electric charge amount into voltage through the contact hole section 361 and the wiring layer 362. In addition, the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ constitutes a portion of a reset transistor (a gate section 351 is illustrated). Reference numeral 371 denotes an element separation region. Reference numeral 372 denotes an insulating material film formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate 370. Reference numerals 376 and 381 denote interlayer insulating layers. Reference numeral 383 denotes a protection material layer. Reference numeral 314 denotes an on-chip microlens.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-063165

PTL 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2011-138927

PTL 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application) No. 2016-502278

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problem to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the technology disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2016-063165 described above, there is a restriction that it is necessary to form the accumulation electrode and the second insulating layer formed thereon with the same length, and a spacing between the accumulation electrode and the collecting electrode, and the like are precisely defined, which may complicate a fabricating process and may cause a decline in manufacturing yields. Further, some materials included in the semiconductor layer are mentioned, but no mention is made of specific compositions and configurations of the materials. In addition, a correlation equation between carrier mobility of the semiconductor layer and accumulated electric charge is mentioned, but no mention is made of matters relating to an improvement in transfer of electric charge such as matters relating to a relationship with an energy level of a region adjacent to the photoelectric conversion layer, which is important for transfer of generated electric charge. In addition, regarding the energy level, in a thin film transistor disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication (Published Japanese Translation of PCT Application) No. 2016-502278, it is mentioned that an energy level of a conduction band of a metal oxide semiconductor included in a channel is equal to, or higher by less than 0.5 eV than an energy level of a conduction band of a passivation material stacked on the channel, but no mention is made of matters relating to an improvement in transfer of electric charge.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an imaging element, a stacked imaging element, and a solid-state imaging device which have superior characteristics of transferring electric charge accumulated in a photoelectric conversion layer despite simple configuration and structure.

Means for Solving the Problem

An imaging element of the present disclosure to achieve the above-described object includes a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode that are stacked, in which a protection layer including an inorganic oxide, and an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are formed from side of the photoelectric conversion section directly below the photoelectric conversion layer.

A stacked imaging element of the present disclosure to achieve the above-described object includes at least one imaging element of the present disclosure described above.

A solid-state imaging device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-described object includes a plurality of the above-described imaging elements of the present disclosure. In addition, a solid-state imaging device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure to achieve the above-described object includes a plurality of the above-described stacked imaging elements of the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 2 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 3 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic layout diagram of a first electrode and a charge accumulation electrode, and transistors included in a control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 1.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are equivalent circuit diagrams of imaging elements of Example 1, Example 4, and Example 6 for describing respective parts of FIG. 5 (Example 1), FIGS. 20 and 21 (Example 4), and FIGS. 32 and 33 (Example 6).

FIG. 7 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, a second electrode, and a contact hole section included in the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in the modification example of the imaging element of Example 1 illustrated in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element of Example 2.

FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element of Example 3.

FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 3.

FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another modification example of the imaging element of Example 3.

FIG. 15 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another modification example of the imaging element of Example 3.

FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 17 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 18 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 19 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, a transfer control electrode, and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 20 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 21 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during another operation of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 22 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode, and the charge accumulation electrode included in the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 23 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section included in the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 24 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in a modification example of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 25 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 5.

FIG. 26 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and a charge drain electrode included in the imaging element of Example 5.

FIG. 27 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the charge drain electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section included in the imaging element of Example 5.

FIG. 28 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 29 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 30 is an equivalent circuit diagram of the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 31 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 32 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 33 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during another operation (during transfer) of the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 34 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 35 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section included in the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 36 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in a modification example of the imaging element of Example 6.

FIG. 37 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 7 (two imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIG. 38 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode or the like, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 7.

FIG. 39 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode or the like included in the imaging element of Example 7.

FIG. 40 is a schematic layout diagram of a modification example of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode or the like included in the imaging element of Example 7.

FIG. 41 is a schematic layout diagram of a modification example of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode or the like included in the imaging element of Example 7.

FIGS. 42A and 42B are schematic layout diagrams of modification examples of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode or the like included in the imaging element of Example 7.

FIG. 43 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIG. 44 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the imaging element of Example 8 (2×2 imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIG. 45 is a schematic plan view of a portion of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 8 (2×2 imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIGS. 46A and 46B are schematic cross-sectional views of portions of modification examples of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIGS. 47A and 47B are schematic cross-sectional views of portions of modification examples of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side).

FIGS. 48A and 48B are schematic plan views of portions of the modification examples of the imaging element of Example 8.

FIGS. 49A and 49B are schematic plan views of portions of the modification examples of the imaging element of Example 8.

FIG. 50 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and charge accumulation electrode segments in a solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 51 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a first modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 52 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a second modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 53 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a third modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 54 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a fourth modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 55 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a fifth modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 56 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a sixth modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIG. 57 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a seventh modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 9.

FIGS. 58A, 58B, and 58C are charts illustrating examples of reading and driving in an imaging element block of Example 9.

FIG. 59 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a solid-state imaging device of Example 10.

FIG. 60 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 10.

FIG. 61 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 10.

FIG. 62 is a schematic plan view of the first electrodes and the charge accumulation electrode segments in a modification example of the solid-state imaging device of Example 10.

FIG. 63 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another modification example of the imaging element and a stacked imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 64 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 65 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 66 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of another modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1.

FIG. 67 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of still another modification example of the imaging element of Example 4.

FIG. 68 is a conceptual diagram of a solid-state imaging device of Example 1.

FIG. 69 is a conceptual diagram of an example in which a solid-state imaging device including the imaging element and the stacked imaging element according to the present disclosure is used in an electronic apparatus (camera).

FIG. 70 is a conceptual diagram of energy alignment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 71A and FIG. 71B are, respectively, a graph illustrating an operation result of a bottom-gate thin film transistor for testing in which a protective layer and an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are stacked in Example 1 and are caused to function as a channel formation region, and a graph illustrating an operation result of a bottom-gate thin film transistor for comparative testing in which an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is caused to function as a channel formation region without a protection layer.

FIG. 72 is a conceptual diagram of an existing stacked imaging element (stacked solid-state imaging device).

FIG. 73 is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system.

FIG. 74 is a diagram of assistance in explaining an example of installation positions of an outside-vehicle information detecting section and an imaging section.

FIG. 75 is a view depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system.

FIG. 76 is a block diagram depicting an example of a functional configuration of a camera head and a camera control unit (CCU).

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the following, description is given of the present disclosure on the basis of Examples with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to Examples, and various numerical values and materials in Examples are illustrative. It is to be noted that the description is given in the following order.

1. General Description of Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, Stacked Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, and Solid-State Imaging Devices According to First and Second Aspects of Present Disclosure 2. Example 1 (Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, Stacked Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, and Solid-State Imaging Device According to Second Aspect of Present Disclosure) 3. Example 2 (Modification of Example 1) 4. Example 3 (Modification of Examples 1 and 2, Solid-State Imaging Device According to First Aspect of Present Disclosure) 5. Example 4 (Modification of Examples 1 to 3, Imaging Element Including Transfer Control Electrode) 6. Example 5 (Modification of Examples 1 to 4, Imaging Element Including Charge Drain Electrode) 7. Example 6 (Modification of Examples 1 to 5, Imaging Element Including a Plurality of Charge Accumulation Electrode Segments) 8. Example 7 (Modification of Examples 1 to 6, Imaging Element Including Charge Movement Control Electrode) 9. Example 8 (Modification of Example 7) 10. Example 9 (Solid-State Imaging Devices of First and Second Configurations) 11. Example 10 (Modification of Example 9) 12. Others <General Description of Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, Stacked Imaging Element of Present Disclosure, and Solid-State Imaging Devices According to First and Second Aspects of Present Disclosure>

In an imaging element of the present disclosure, an imaging element of the present disclosure included in a stacked imaging element of the present disclosure, an imaging element of the present disclosure included in a solid-state imaging device according to any of first and second aspects of the present disclosure (hereinafter collectively referred to as an “imaging element or the like of the present disclosure” in some cases), oxygen deficiency generation energy (energy necessary for generation of oxygen deficiency) of a metal atom included in a protection layer is preferably 5 eV or more (or 4.5 eV or more in another expression). Then, in these cases, it is preferred to satisfy:

E _(OD-1) −E _(OD-2)≥1 eV

where E_(OD-1) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the protection layer and E_(OD-2) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of a metal atom included in an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. Further, in these cases, it is preferred that the oxygen deficiency generation energy E_(OD-2) of the metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer be 3 eV or more, desirably 4 eV or more. It is to be noted that in a case where the protection layer or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes a plurality of kinds of metal atoms, “oxygen deficiency generation energy of metal atoms” refers to an average value of oxygen deficiency generation energies of the plurality of kinds of metal atoms. A higher value of the oxygen deficiency generation energy makes it more difficult to desorb oxygen atoms and makes it more difficult to incorporate oxygen atoms, oxygen molecules, or other atoms or molecules, which can be said to bring stability. The oxygen deficiency generation energy is determinable, for example, from first principle calculation.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, in a case where it is defined that, with a vacuum level as a zero reference, the absolute value of energy (a value having a minus sign) becomes higher as being away from the vacuum level, it is preferred to satisfy:

E ₀ ≥E ₁,

desirably,

E ₀ −E ₁≥0.1 (eV),

and more desirably,

E ₀ −E ₁>0.1 (eV)

where E₀ denotes an energy average value in a LUMO value (see “A” in FIG. 70) of a photoelectric conversion layer and E₁ denotes an energy average value in a maximum energy value (see “B” in FIG. 70) of a conduction band of the protection layer. Furthermore, it is preferred to satisfy:

E ₁ −E ₂≥0.1 (eV)

and furthermore, it is more preferred to satisfy:

E ₁ −E ₂>0.1 (eV)

where E₂ denotes an energy average value in a maximum energy value (see “C” in FIG. 70) of a conduction band of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. The energy average values E₁ and E₂ in maximum energy values of the conduction bands of the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are average values in the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. In addition, the energy average value E₀ in the LUMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer is an average value in a portion of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned in the vicinity of the protection layer. Here, the “portion of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned in the vicinity of the protection layer” refers to a portion of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned in a region corresponding to 10% or less of the thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer (i.e., a region extending from 0% to 10% of the thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer) with an interface between the protection layer and the photoelectric conversion layer as a reference. In addition, “minimum energy” means that the absolute value of an energy value is minimum, and “maximum energy” means that the absolute value of the energy value is maximum. The same applies also to the following description.

A valence band energy and a HOMO value are determinable on the basis of, for example, ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS method). In addition, a conduction band energy and a LUMO value are determinable from {(valence band energy, HOMO value)+E_(b)}. Further, bandgap energy E_(b) is determinable, from an optically absorbing wavelength λ (an optical absorption edge wavelength in nm), on the basis of the following expression:

E _(b) =hv=h(c/λ)=1239.8/λ[eV].

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, it is desirable that the protection layer include Nb_(a)Ti_(b)O_(c) (where a+b+c=1.00), and in this case, it is more preferred to satisfy 0.05≤a≤0.25 and 0.05≤b≤0.25. Values a, b, and c are values corresponding to atomic percentages. The protection layer may include a metal atom such as aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), and copper (Cu). Compositions of the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are determinable on the basis of, for example, ICP emission spectroscopy (high-frequency inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, ICP-AES) or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, XPS). In the process of forming the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, an intrusion of hydrogen or other metal, or other impurities such as a metal compound can occur in some cases; however, the intrusion of the impurities may be acceptable as long as the amount thereof is very small (e.g., 3% or less in molar fraction).

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the protection layer prevents entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. Blocking entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer makes it possible to extract oxygen atoms in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and suppress generation of oxygen deficiency, and to obtain the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer having stable characteristics. It is to be noted that hydrogen that may possibly enter the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is present in the photoelectric conversion layer, or is present in a process of manufacturing the imaging element. For a hydrogen blocking capability of the protection layer by thermal desorption spectroscopy (a TDS method, a Thermal Desorption Spectroscopy method), a hydrogen ion relative intensity ratio detected during heating to 350° C. that is measured with use of the TDS method is preferably 0.1 or less with an intensity ratio when heating titanium as 1.0. In the thermal desorption spectroscopy, a sample is heated in a vacuum, and a partial pressure of hydrogen to be desorbed is measured, which makes it possible to determine a relationship between desorption speed of hydrogen and sample temperature. Specifically, the sample is placed on a stage, and the sample is heated by infrared irradiation from below the stage. Temperature control is performed by a thermocouple provided on side of the stage. It is possible to measure a temperature on side of a surface of the sample by a thermocouple on top side of the sample. A gas generated by heating is positively ionized by accelerated electron collision, and is separated according to a mass-to-charge ratio. Then, this makes it possible to detect hydrogen ions.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which a photoelectric conversion section further includes an insulating layer, and a charge accumulation electrode disposed at a distance from a first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes at least two or more kinds of elements selected from a group including indium (In), tungsten (W), tin (Sn), and zinc (Zn). Here, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer include no gallium atom, specifically, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes indium-tungsten oxide (IWO) that is a material obtained by adding tungsten (W) to indium oxide, indium-tungsten-zinc oxide (IWZO) that is a material obtained by adding tungsten (W) and zinc (Zn) into indium oxide, indium-tin-zinc oxide (ITZO) that is a material obtained by adding tin (Sn) and zinc (Zn) to indium oxide, or zinc-tin oxide (ZTO), and more specifically, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes In—W oxide, or In—Sn oxide, In—Zn oxide, or W—Sn oxide, or W—Zn oxide, or Sn—Zn oxide, or In—W—Sn oxide, or In—W—Zn oxide, or In—Sn—Zn oxide, or In—W—Sn—Zn oxide. For IWO, in a case where the total mass of indium oxide and tungsten oxide is 100 mass %, it is preferred that a mass ratio of tungsten oxide be 10 mass % to 30 mass %. Further, for IWZO, in a case where the total mass of indium oxide, tungsten oxide, and Zn oxide is 100 mass %, it is preferred that a mass ratio of tungsten oxide be 2 mass % to 15 mass % and a mas ratio of Zn oxide be 1 mass % to 3 mass %. In addition, for ITZO, in a case where the total mass of indium oxide, Zn oxide, and Sn oxide is 100 mass %, it is preferred that a mass ratio of tungsten oxide be 3 mass % to 10 mass % and a mass ratio of tin oxide be 10 mass % to 17 mass %. However, the mass ratios are not limited to these values.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a gallium (Ga) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, and a zinc (Zn) atom, and specifically, a mode may be adopted in which, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Ga_(b)Sn_(c)Zn_(d)O_(e), 1.8<(b+c)/a<2.3 and 2.3<d/a<2.6 are satisfied, and further b>0 is satisfied.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which a metal element included in an inorganic oxide semiconductor material has a closed-shell d orbital, and specifically, a mode may be adopted in which a metal atom is a metal atom selected from a group including copper, silver, gold, zinc, gallium, germanium, indium, tin, and thallium. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which a metal atom having a closed-shell d orbital is a metal atom selected from a group including copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), indium (In), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb), and it is preferred that the metal atom be a metal atom selected a group including copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), indium (In), tin (Sn), and thallium (Tl). It is more preferred that the metal atom include no indium (In), and it is still more preferred that the metal atom be a metal atom selected from a group including copper (Cu), silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), gallium (Ga), germanium (Ge), and tin (Sn). Here, more preferable combinations of metal atoms may include (In, Ga), (In, Zn), (In, Sn), (Ga, Sn), (Ga, Zn), (Zn, Sn), (Cu, Zn), (Cu, Ga), (Cu, Sn), (Ag, Zn), (Ag, Ga), and (Ag, Sn).

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a gallium (Ga) atom, and a tin (Sn) atom. Here, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Ga_(b)Sn_(c)O_(d), it is preferred to satisfy a>b and a>c, further, it is more preferred to satisfy a>b>c or a>c>b, and furthermore, it is still more preferred to satisfy a>b>c. Then, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, it is preferred to satisfy:

a+b+c+d=1.00

0.4<a/(a+b+c)<0.5

0.3<b/(a+b+c)<0.4

0.2<c/(a+b+c)<0.3, or

it is preferred to satisfy:

a+b+c+d=1.00

0.30<a/(a+b+c)<0.55

0.20<b/(a+b+c)<0.35

0.25<c/(a+b+c)<0.45.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes a gallium (Ga) atom and a tin (Sn) atom. Here, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by Ga_(a)Sn_(b)O_(c), it is preferred to satisfy a>b, and specifically, it is preferred to satisfy:

a+b+c=1.00

and

0.20<b/(a+b)<0.35.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes a gallium (Ga) atom and an indium (In) atom. Here, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by Ga_(a)In_(e)O_(f), it is preferred to satisfy d>e, and specifically, it is preferred to satisfy:

d+e+f=1.00

and

0.20<e/(d+e)<0.40.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes a zinc (Zn) atom and a tin (Sn) atom and is expressed by Zn_(a)Sn_(b)O_(c), it is possible to satisfy:

a+b+c=1.00

b>a

and it is preferred to satisfy b>a>0.18. In addition, it is preferred that the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer further include a 5d-transition metal. In addition, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer further includes a tungsten atom and is expressed by Zn_(a)Sn_(b)M_(d)O_(c) (where M means a tungsten atom), it is preferred to satisfy:

a+b+c+d=1.00

0.0005<d<0.065.

Alternatively, in a case where the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer further includes a tantalum atom or a hafnium atom and is presented by Zn_(a)Sn_(b)M_(d)O_(c) (where M means a tantalum atom or a hafnium atom), it is preferred to satisfy:

a+b+c+d=1.00

0.0005<d<0.065.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes In_(a)Ga_(b)Sn_(c)O_(d), and the following expressions are satisfied:

0.30≤b/(a+b+C)≤0.50

and

b≥c.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the following expression is satisfied:

0.40≤b/(a+b+c)≤0.50.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the following expression is satisfied:

b≥1.2 c.

Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, a titanium (Ti) atom, and a zinc (Zn) atom, and in a case where the composition of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Sn_(b)Ti_(c)Zn_(d)O_(e), it is preferred to satisfy:

b>d>c>0.09

where a+b+c+d=1.00, and it is preferred to satisfy:

a<(b+c+d)≤0.6

where a+b+c+d=1.00. Alternatively, in a case where the composition of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Sn_(b)M_(f)Zn_(d)O_(e), it is preferred to satisfy:

b>d>f>0.09

where a+b+f+d=1.00. Here, M is aluminum, hafnium, or zirconium. Alternatively, in a case where the composition of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Sn_(b)Ti_(c)Zn_(d)O_(e), it is desirable to satisfy:

a<(b+c+d)≤0.6

where a+b+c+d=1.00. In addition, it is desirable to satisfy:

0.4≤a≤(b+d)≤0.5.

Alternatively, in a case where the composition of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is expressed by In_(a)Sn_(b)M_(f)Zn_(d)O_(e), it is desirable to satisfy:

a<(b+f+d)≤0.6

where a+b+f+d=1.00. In addition, it is desirable to satisfy:

0.4≤a<(b+d)≤0.5.

M is aluminum, hafnium, or zirconium in a manner similar to that described above.

Alternatively, examples of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material that is a material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (hereinafter referred to as an “inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material” in some cases) may include indium oxide, gallium oxide, zinc oxide, tin oxide, a material including at least one kind selected from these oxides, and a material obtained by adding a dopant to any of these materials. Specific examples thereof may include IGZO (indium-gallium-zinc oxide obtained by adding indium and gallium as dopants to zinc oxide), ITZO, IWZO, IWO, ZTO, an ITO-SiOx-based material (indium-tin oxide obtained by mixing or being doped with silicon oxide), GZO (gallium-zinc oxide obtained by adding gallium as a dopant to zinc oxide), IGO (indium-gallium oxide obtained by adding indium as a dopant to gallium oxide), ZnSnO₃, AlZnO, GaZnO, and InZnO. In addition, specific examples thereof may include materials including CuI, InSbO₄, ZnMgO, CuInO₂, MgIn₂O₄, CdO, and the like. However, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material is not limited to these materials. Alternatively, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer materials may include a material having an ionization potential larger than the ionization potential of a material included in the photoelectric conversion layer in a case where electric charge to be accumulated is an electron, and may include a material having electron affinity smaller than electron affinity of the material included in the photoelectric conversion layer in a case where electric charge to be accumulated is a hole. Alternatively, the impurity concentration in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material is preferably 1×10¹⁸ cm⁻³ or less.

Alternatively, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes a complex oxide including titanium oxide and zinc oxide. However, this is not limitative, and titanium oxide may be replaced with aluminum oxide, hafnium oxide, or zirconium oxide. That is, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, aluminum (Al), and a zinc (Zn) atom. A mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, hafnium (Hf), and a zinc (Zn) atom. A mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, zirconium (Zr), and a zinc (Zn) atom. Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer includes an indium (In) atom, a tin (Sn) atom, a metal atom, and a zinc (Zn) atom, and the metal atom is an atom of at least one kind selected from a group including titanium, aluminum, hafnium, and zirconium.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer moves to the first electrode via the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. In this case, a mode may be adopted in which the electric charge is an electron.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, it is preferred that the material of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer have a carrier mobility of 10 cm²/V·s or more, which enables electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer to be quickly moved to the first electrode. In addition, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer preferably has a carrier concentration (carrier density) of 1×10¹⁶/cm³ or less, which enables an increase in the amount of electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, it is preferred that:

light be incident from a second electrode; and

a surface roughness Ra of a surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer at the interface between the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer be 1.5 nm or less, and a root mean square roughness Rq of the surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer be 2.5 nm or less. The surface roughness Ra and Rq are based on the provisions of JIS B0601:2013. Such smoothness of the surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer at the interface between the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer makes it possible to suppress scattering reflection at the surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, and to enhance light current characteristic in photoelectric conversion. It is preferred that the surface roughness Ra of a surface of the charge accumulation electrode be 1.5 nm or less, and the root mean square roughness Rq of the surface of the charge accumulation electrode be 2.5 nm or less.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is amorphous (e.g., amorphous having no local crystalline structures). Whether or not the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is amorphous is determinable on the basis of X-ray diffraction analysis. However, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is not limited to being amorphous, and may have a crystalline structure or a polycrystalline structure.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, it is desirable that the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer have a thickness of 1×10⁻⁸ m to 1.5×10⁻⁷ m, preferably 2×10⁻⁸ m to 1.0×10⁻⁷ m, and more preferably, 3×10⁻⁸ m to 1.0×10⁻⁷ m.

A detailed description of the first electrode, the second electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the photoelectric conversion layer is given below.

In an existing imaging element illustrated in FIG. 72, electric charge generated by photoelectric conversion in a second photoelectric conversion section 341A and a third photoelectric conversion section 343A is once accumulated in the second photoelectric conversion section 341A and the third photoelectric conversion section 343A, and is thereafter transferred to a second floating diffusion layer FD₂ and a third floating diffusion layer FD₃. It is therefore possible to completely deplete the second photoelectric conversion section 341A and the third photoelectric conversion section 343A. However, electric charge generated by photoelectric conversion in the first photoelectric conversion section 310A is accumulated directly in a first floating diffusion layer FD₁. It is therefore difficult to completely deplete the first photoelectric conversion section 310A. As a result, kTC noise becomes greater and random noise deteriorates, which may possibly cause reduction in quality of captured images.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure, as described above, as long as the charge accumulation electrode is provided that is disposed at a distance from the first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween, it is possible to accumulate electric charge in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (in some cases, in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) when the photoelectric conversion section is irradiated with light and photoelectric conversion occurs in the photoelectric conversion section. It is therefore possible to completely deplete a charge accumulation section and eliminate the electric charge when exposure is started. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the phenomenon that the kTC noise becomes greater and the random noise deteriorates to cause reduction in quality of captured images. It is to be noted that, in the following description, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer, may be collectively referred to as an “inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer or the like” in some cases.

The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer may have a single-layer configuration or a multilayer configuration. In addition, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer positioned above the charge accumulation electrode and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer positioned above the first electrode may be different from each other. The protection layer may also have a single-layer configuration or a multilayer configuration.

It is possible to form the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer on the basis of, for example, a physical vapor deposition method (PVD method), specifically, a sputtering method. More specifically, examples of the sputtering method may include one using a parallel flat plate sputtering device, a DC magnetron sputtering device, or an RF sputtering device as a sputtering device, an argon (Ar) gas as a process gas, and a desired sintered body as a target. Alternatively, examples of a method of forming the protection layer may include atomic layer deposition method (ALD method). However, the methods are not limited to these film formation methods.

It is possible to control the energy level of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer by controlling the amount of an oxygen gas to be introduced (oxygen gas partial pressure) in forming the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer on the basis of a sputtering method. Specifically, it is possible to perform control on the basis of the oxygen gas partial pressure at the time of formation on the basis of a sputtering method=(O₂ gas pressure)/(total pressure of Ar gas and O₂ gas). The oxygen gas partial pressure is preferably 0.005 to 0.10. Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which the oxygen content of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is lower than the stoichiometric oxygen content. Here, the energy level of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is controllable on the basis of the oxygen content, and the energy level becomes deeper as the oxygen content becomes lower than the stoichiometric oxygen content, namely, as oxygen deficiency becomes larger.

Examples of the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure may include a CCD element, a CMOS image sensor, a CIS (Contact Image Sensor), and a signal amplification image sensor of a CMD (Charge Modulation Device) type. The solid-state imaging devices according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure and the solid-state imaging devices of first and second configurations described later are able to be included in, for example, a digital still camera, a video camera, a camcorder, a monitoring camera, an on-vehicle camera, a smartphone camera, a user interface camera for games, and a biometric authentication camera.

Example 1

Example 1 relates to the imaging element of the present disclosure, the stacked imaging element of the present disclosure, and the solid-state imaging device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element (hereinafter simply referred to as an “imaging element”) of Example 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 are equivalent circuit diagrams of the imaging element of Example 1. FIG. 4 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section, and transistors included in the control section of the imaging element of Example 1. FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a state of potential at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 1. FIG. 6A is an equivalent circuit diagram for describing each part of the imaging element of Example 1. FIG. 7 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section of the imaging element of Example 1. FIG. 8 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and a contact hole section. Further, FIG. 68 illustrates a conceptual diagram of the solid-state imaging device of Example 1.

The imaging element of Example 1 includes a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode 21, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, and a second electrode 22 that are stacked, and a protection layer 23B and a inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C are formed directly below the photoelectric conversion layer 23A from side of the photoelectric conversion section. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is in contact with the first electrode 21. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B are in contact with each other. The protection layer 23B is in contact with the photoelectric conversion layer 23A.

The stacked imaging element of Example 1 includes at least one imaging element of Example 1. In addition, the solid-state imaging device of Example 1 includes a plurality of stacked imaging elements of Example 1. The solid-state imaging device of Example 1 is to be included in, for example, a digital still camera, a video camera, a camcorder, a monitoring camera, an on-vehicle camera (vehicle-mounted camera), a smartphone camera, a user interface camera for games, and a biometric authentication camera.

In the imaging element of Example 1, oxygen deficiency generation energy of an metal atom included in the protection layer 23B is 5 eV or more. Then, in this case, the following expression is satisfied:

E _(OD-1) −E _(OD-2)≥1 eV

where E_(OD-1) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the protection layer 23B, and E_(OD-2) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of a metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C. Further, the oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is 3 eV or more. In addition, the following expressions are satisfied:

E ₀ ≥E ₁

desirably,

E ₀ −E ₁≥0.1 (eV)

and more desirably,

E ₀ −E ₁>0.1 (eV)

the following expression is satisfied:

E ₁ −E ₂≥0.1 (eV)

furthermore, the following expression is satisfied:

E ₁ −E ₂>0.1 (eV)

where E₀ denotes an energy average value in a LUMO value of a portion of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A facing the protection layer 23B, E₁ and E₂ denote energy average values in maximum energy values of conduction bands of the protection layer 23B and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C.

The protection layer 23B includes Nb_(a)Ti_(b)O_(c) (where a+b+c=1.00), and in this case, 0.05≤a≤0.25 and 0.05≤b≤0.25 are satisfied. In Example 1, three kinds of protection layers 23B were evaluated. That is, in the protection layers 23B of Example 1A, Example 1B, and Example 1C, specific values a, b, and C were as illustrated in the following Table 1.

TABLE 1 a b c Example 1A 0.20 0.06 0.74 Example 1B 0.21 0.07 0.72 Example 1C 0.12 0.18 0.70

The protection layer 23B prevents entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C. In this case, a hydrogen blocking capability of the protection layer 23B on the basis of thermal desorption spectroscopy was as illustrated in the following Table 2. It is to be noted that in a test based on thermal desorption spectroscopy, a sample in which a titanium layer was formed as a base layer on a silicon semiconductor substrate and the protection layer 23B having a thickness of 30 nm was formed on the titanium layer was used, and an ion current value was determined in a state in which the sample was heated. In addition, in Comparative Example 1, the protection layer 23B was not provided, and only a titanium layer was formed as a base layer on a silicon semiconductor substrate.

TABLE 2 Comparative Example 1A Example 1B Example 1C Example 1 Heating 1.038 1.019 1.058 1.000 to 200° C. Heating 0.040 0.033 0.044 1.000 to 350° C.

It was confirmed from Table 2 that in a case where heating was performed to 350° C., intensity of a detected hydrogen atom was reduced by one digit or more, as compared with a case where no protection layer was provided (Comparative Example 1). That is, this shows that the protection layer is able to prevent entry of hydrogen that easily enters during manufacturing or processing of the imaging element.

The thickness of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is 1×10⁻⁸ m to 1.5×10⁻⁷ m. In Example 1, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C includes IGZO having a thickness of 50 nm. In addition, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A includes D60 having a thickness of 0.1 μm. The thickness of the protection layer 23B is 3 nm. Then, electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A moves to the first electrode 21 through the protection layer 23B and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, and the electric charge in this case is an electron.

The oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the protection layer 23B is 5 eV or more, and the oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is 3 eV or more.

Specifically, the following expressions hold true:

E _(OD-1)=5.5 eV (oxygen deficiency generation energy of a niobium atom)

E _(OD-2)=3.1 eV (oxygen deficiency generation energy of a gallium atom)

and the following expression is satisfied:

E _(OD-1) −E _(OD-2)≥1 eV.

In addition, the following expressions hold true:

E ₀=−4.3 eV (C60)

E ₂=−4.7 eV (IGZO)

and the following expressions hold true:

E ₁ of Example 1A=−4.4 eV

E ₁ of Example 1B=−4.3 eV

E ₁ of Example 1C=−4.4 eV.

In addition, the following expressions hold true:

E ₁′ of Example 1A=−7.7 eV

E ₁′ of Example 1B=−7.6 eV

E ₁′ of Example 1C=−7.8 eV

where E₁′ denotes an energy average value in a minimum energy value of a valence band of the protection layer.

In addition, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material has a carrier mobility of 10 cm²/V·s or more; the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C has a carrier concentration of 1×10¹⁶/cm³ or less; and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is amorphous. Specific examples of these values are illustrated in the following Table 3.

TABLE 3 Inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material (IGZO) Mobility 1 × 10 cm²/V · s Carrier concentration 1 × 10¹⁶/cm³

The photoelectric conversion section further includes an insulating layer 82, and a charge accumulation electrode 24 disposed at a distance from the first electrode 21 and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C with the insulating layer 82 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C includes a region in contact with the first electrode 21, a region that is in contact with the insulating layer 82 and below which the charge accumulation electrode 24 is not present, and a region that is in contact with the insulating layer 82 and below which the charge accumulation electrode 24 is present. Then, light enters from the second electrode 22. The surface roughness Ra of a surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C at an interface between the protection layer 23B and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is 1.5 nm or less, specifically 0.65 nm, and the root mean square roughness Rq of the surface of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is 2.5 nm or less, specifically 1.3 nm. The surface roughness Ra of a surface of the charge accumulation electrode 24 is 1.5 nm or less, specifically, 0.45 nm, and the root mean square roughness Rq of the surface of the charge accumulation electrode 24 is 2.5 nm or less, specifically 1.5 nm.

In addition, it is possible to control the energy level of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C by controlling the amount of an oxygen gas to be introduced (oxygen gas partial pressure) in forming the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C on the basis of a sputtering method. The oxygen gas partial pressure is preferably 0.005 (0.5%) to 0.10 (10%).

The structure of the energy level of the photoelectric conversion section in the imaging element of Example 1 is illustrated in a conceptual diagram in FIG. 70. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the protection layer 23B, and the photoelectric conversion layer 23A are stacked in order from side of the first electrode. Here, the energy average value E₁ in the maximum energy value of the conduction band of the protection layer 23B is formed to be deeper than the energy average value E₀ in the LUMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, and the energy average value in the minimum energy value of the valence band of the protection layer 23B is formed to be deeper than the energy average value in the HOMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. As a result, electrons generated during photoelectric conversion are transferred without any barrier, and escape of holes is suppressed.

In addition, FIG. 71A illustrates a characteristic evaluation result of a bottom-gate thin film transistor in which in Example 1, the protection layer (Example 1B) was formed on the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and these two layers functioned as a channel formation region, and FIG. 71B illustrates a characteristic evaluation result of a bottom-gate thin film transistor in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer functioned as a channel formation region without a protection layer. In relation to a result of the TDS method, providing the protection layer makes it possible to prevent entry of hydrogen, and extraction of oxygen atoms in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is suppressed and the TFT operates normally. In other words, the behavior of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is stabilized, which consequently makes it possible to achieve an imaging element having stable characteristics.

As described above, in the imaging element of Example 1, providing the protection layer between the photoelectric conversion layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer makes it possible to effectively prevent entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, which consequently makes it possible to suppress extraction of oxygen atoms in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and generation of oxygen deficiency that are caused by entry of hydrogen. This makes it possible to achieve an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer having stable characteristics and an imaging element having stable characteristics. In addition, oxygen deficiency generation energy (energy necessary for generation of oxygen deficiency) of a metal atom included in the protection layer is defined, which makes it difficult to desorb oxygen atoms, and makes it difficult to incorporate oxygen atoms, oxygen molecules, or other atoms or molecules. This makes it possible to suppress extraction of oxygen atoms in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and generation of oxygen deficiency with higher reliability. Further, specifying a relationship between the energy average value E₀ in the LUMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer and the energy average value E₁ in the maximum energy value of the conduction band of the protection layer makes it possible to reduce an energy barrier between the protection layer and the adjacent photoelectric conversion layer, and achieve reliable movement of electric charge from the photoelectric conversion layer to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer through the protection layer. Further, it is possible to achieve, in a well-balanced manner, optimization of the carrier concentration of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (optimization of a degree of depletion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer), high carrier mobility of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer material, control of the energy average value E₂ in the maximum energy value of the conduction band of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, and suppression of generation of the oxygen deficiency in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. Therefore, despite the simple configuration and structure, it is possible to provide an imaging element, a stacked imaging element, and a solid-state imaging device being superior in transfer characteristic for the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion layer. In addition, the photoelectric conversion section has a stacked structure of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer, which makes it possible to prevent recombination during electric charge accumulation, and makes it possible to further increase the efficiency of transfer of the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion layer to the first electrode. Further, it is possible to temporarily hold the electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer to thereby control the timing of transfer and the like. It is also possible to suppress the generation of a dark current.

In the following, overall description is given of the imaging element of the present disclosure, the stacked imaging element of the present disclosure, and the solid-state imaging device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, and thereafter, detailed description is given of the imaging element and the solid-state imaging device of Example 1. In the following, description is given of a case where a potential to be applied to the first electrode is higher than a potential to be applied to the second electrode. Symbols representing potentials to be applied to various electrodes described below are listed in the following Table 4.

TABLE 4 Charge accumulation Charge transfer period period First electrode V₁₁ V₁₂ Second electrode V₂₁ V₂₂ Charge accumulation V₃₁ V₃₂ electrode Charge movement control V₄₁ V₄₂ electrode Transfer control electrode V₅₁ V₅₂ Charge drain electrode V₆₁ V₆₂

For the sake of convenience, the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure that includes the preferred mode described above and that includes the charge accumulation electrode is hereinafter referred to as an “imaging element or the like including the charge accumulation electrode of the present disclosure” in some cases.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure, it is preferred that the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer have a light transmittance of 65% or more for light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 660 nm. In addition, it is preferred that the charge accumulation electrode also have a light transmittance of 65% or more for light having a wavelength of 400 nm to 660 nm. It is preferred that the charge accumulation electrode have a sheet resistance of 3×10Ω/□ to 1×10³Ω/□.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which the imaging element or the like further includes a semiconductor substrate, and the photoelectric conversion section is disposed above the semiconductor substrate. It is to be noted that the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and the various electrodes are coupled to a drive circuit described later.

The second electrode positioned on light incident side may be shared by a plurality of imaging elements. That is, the second electrode may be a so-called solid electrode except for the imaging elements or the like including an upper charge movement control electrode of the present disclosure described later. The photoelectric conversion layer may be shared by a plurality of imaging elements, i.e., one photoelectric conversion layer may be formed for a plurality of imaging elements. Alternatively, the photoelectric conversion layer may be provided for each imaging element. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer are preferably provided for each imaging element; however, in some cases, may be shared by a plurality of imaging elements. In other words, one inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and one protection layer may be formed for a plurality of imaging elements by providing, for example, a charge movement control electrode described later between an imaging element and an imaging element. In the case where one inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and one protection layer are formed that are shared by a plurality of imaging elements, it is desirable that end parts of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer be covered with at least the photoelectric conversion layer from the viewpoint of protection of the end parts of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the first electrode extends in an opening provided in the insulating layer and is coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer extend in the opening provided in the insulating layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is coupled to the first electrode. In this case, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   an edge of a top surface of the first electrode is covered with         the insulating layer,     -   the first electrode is exposed at a bottom surface of the         opening, and     -   a side surface of the opening is sloped to widen the opening         from a first surface toward a second surface, where the first         surface is a surface of the insulating layer in contact with the         top surface of the first electrode, and the second surface is a         surface of the insulating layer in contact with a portion of the         inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer opposed to the         charge accumulation electrode, and further the side surface of         the opening that is sloped to widen the opening from the first         surface toward the second surface is positioned on side of the         charge accumulation electrode.

Further, in the imaging element or the like including the various preferred modes described above, a configuration may be adopted in which:

-   -   the imaging element or the like further includes a control         section provided in the semiconductor substrate and including a         drive circuit,     -   the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode are         coupled to the drive circuit,     -   during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, and electric         charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor         material layer or the like, and     -   during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, and the         electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor         material layer or the like is read out to the control section         via the first electrode. Note that the potential of the first         electrode is higher than the potential of the second electrode,         and the following expressions hold true:

V ₃₁ ≥V ₁₁ and V ₃₂ <V ₁₂.

Further, in the imaging element or the like including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the charge movement control electrode is formed in a region opposed to, with the insulating layer interposed therebetween, a region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements. It is to be noted that such a mode is referred to as an “imaging element or the like including a lower charge movement control electrode of the present disclosure” for the sake of convenience in some cases. Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the charge movement control electrode is formed, instead of the second electrode, on the region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements. It is to be noted that such a mode is referred to as an “imaging element or the like including an upper charge movement control electrode of the present disclosure” for the sake of convenience in some cases.

In the following description, the “region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements” is referred to as a “region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer” for the sake of convenience, and a “region of the insulating layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements” is referred to as a “region-A of the insulating layer” for the sake of convenience. The region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer corresponds to the region-A of the insulating layer. Further, a “region between adjacent imaging elements” is referred to as a “region-a” for the sake of convenience.

In the imaging element or the like including the lower charge movement control electrode (lower side/charge movement control electrode, a charge movement control electrode positioned on side opposite to the light incident side with respect to the photoelectric conversion layer) of the present disclosure, the lower charge movement control electrode is formed in a region opposed to the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. In other words, the lower charge movement control electrode is formed below a portion of the insulating layer (region-A of the insulating layer) in a region (region-a) sandwiched between a charge accumulation electrode and a charge accumulation electrode that are included in respective adjacent imaging elements. The lower charge movement control electrode is provided at a distance from the charge accumulation electrode. Or in other words, the lower charge movement control electrode surrounds the charge accumulation electrode and is provided at a distance from the charge accumulation electrode. The lower charge movement control electrode is disposed to be opposed to the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween.

Then, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   the imaging element or the like including the lower charge         movement control electrode of the present disclosure further         includes a control section provided in the semiconductor         substrate and including a drive circuit,     -   the first electrode, the second electrode, the charge         accumulation electrode, and the lower charge movement control         electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,     -   during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₄₁         is applied to the lower charge movement control electrode, and         electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layer or the like, and     -   during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₄₂         is applied to the lower charge movement control electrode, and         the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layer or the like is read out to the         control section via the first electrode. Note that the following         expressions hold true:

V ₃₁ ≥V ₁₁ ,V ₃₁ >V ₄₁ and V ₁₂ >V ₃₂ >V ₄₂

The lower charge movement control electrode may be formed at a level the same as or different from that of the first electrode or the charge accumulation electrode.

In the imaging element or the like including the upper charge movement control electrode (upper side/charge movement control electrode, a charge movement control electrode positioned on the light incident side with respect to the photoelectric conversion layer) of the present disclosure, the upper charge movement control electrode is formed on the region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements, instead of the second electrode. The upper charge movement control electrode is provided at a distance from the second electrode. In other words:

[A] a mode may be adopted in which: the second electrode is provided for each imaging element; and the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided, at a distance from the second electrode, on the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer. Alternatively, [B] a mode may be adopted in which: the second electrode is provided for each imaging element; the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided at a distance from the second electrode; and a portion of the charge accumulation electrode is present below the upper charge movement control electrode. Alternatively, [C] a mode may be adopted in which: the second electrode is provided for each imaging element; the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided at a distance from the second electrode; a portion of the charge accumulation electrode is present below the upper charge movement control electrode; and furthermore, the lower charge movement control electrode is formed below the upper charge movement control electrode. In some cases, a potential generated by coupling between the upper charge movement control electrode and the second electrode may be applied to a region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned below a region between the upper charge movement control electrode and the second electrode.

In addition, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   the imaging element or the like including the upper charge         movement control electrode of the present disclosure further         includes a control section provided in the semiconductor         substrate and including a drive circuit,     -   the first electrode, the second electrode, the charge         accumulation electrode, and the upper charge movement control         electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,     -   during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₂₁ is applied to the second electrode, a potential         V₄₁ is applied to the upper charge movement control electrode,         and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layer or the like, and     -   during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₂₂ is applied to the second electrode, a potential         V₄₂ is applied to the upper charge movement control electrode,         and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layer or the like is read out to the         control section via the first electrode. Note that the following         expressions hold true:

V ₂₁ ≥V ₄₁ and V ₂₂ ≥V ₄₂

The upper charge movement control electrode is formed at a level the same as that of the second electrode.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the imaging element or the like further includes, between the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, a transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) disposed at a distance from the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. The imaging element or the like of the present disclosure in such a mode is referred to as an “imaging element or the like including the transfer control electrode of the present disclosure” for the sake of convenience.

Then, in the imaging element or the like including the transfer control electrode of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   the imaging element or the like further includes a control         section provided in the semiconductor substrate and including a         drive circuit,     -   the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the         transfer control electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,     -   during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₅₁         is applied to the transfer control electrode, and electric         charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor         material layer or the like, and     -   during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₅₂         is applied to the transfer control electrode, and the electric         charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material         layer or the like is read out to the control section via the         first electrode. Note that the potential of the first electrode         is higher than the potential of the second electrode, and the         following expressions hold true:

V ₃₁ >V ₅₁ and V ₃₂ ≤V ₅₂ ≤V ₁₂

Further, in the imaging element or the like including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the imaging element or the like further includes a charge drain electrode coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and disposed at a distance from the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode. The imaging element or the like of the present disclosure in such a mode is referred to as an “imaging element or the like including the charge drain electrode of the present disclosure” for the sake of convenience. Then, in the imaging element or the like including the charge drain electrode of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which the charge drain electrode is disposed to surround the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode (i.e., in a picture frame form). The charge drain electrode may be shared by (common to) a plurality of imaging elements. Then, in this case, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer or the like         extends in a second opening provided in the insulating layer and         is coupled to the charge drain electrode,     -   an edge of a top surface of the charge drain electrode is         covered with the insulating layer,     -   the charge drain electrode is exposed at a bottom surface of the         second opening, and     -   a side surface of the second opening is sloped to widen the         second opening from a third surface toward a second surface,         where the third surface is a surface of the insulating layer in         contact with the top surface of the charge drain electrode, and         the second surface is a surface of the insulating layer in         contact with a portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor         material layer opposed to the charge accumulation electrode.

Further, in the imaging element or the like including the charge drain electrode of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   the imaging element or the like further includes a control         section provided in the semiconductor substrate and including a         drive circuit,     -   the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the         charge drain electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,     -   during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₆₁         is applied to the charge drain electrode, and electric charge is         accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer         or the like, and     -   during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a         potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂         is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₆₂         is applied to the charge drain electrode, and the electric         charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material         layer or the like is read out to the control section via the         first electrode. Note that the potential of the first electrode         is higher than the potential of the second electrode, and the         following expressions hold true:

V ₆₁ >V ₁₁ and V ₆₂ <V ₁₂

Further, in the above-described various preferred modes of the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure, a mode may be adopted in which the charge accumulation electrode includes a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments. The imaging element or the like of the present disclosure in such a mode is referred to as an “imaging element or the like including a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments of the present disclosure” for the sake of convenience. It is sufficient that the number of the charge accumulation electrode segments is two or more. In the imaging element or the like including a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments of the present disclosure, in a case where different potentials are applied to N charge accumulation electrode segments, a mode may be adopted in which:

-   -   in a case where the potential of the first electrode is higher         than the potential of the second electrode, during the charge         transfer period, the potential to be applied to a charge         accumulation electrode segment (a first photoelectric conversion         section segment) positioned closest to the first electrode is         higher than the potential to be applied to a charge accumulation         electrode segment (an N-th photoelectric conversion section         segment) positioned farthest from the first electrode, and     -   in a case where the potential of the first electrode is lower         than the potential of the second electrode, during the charge         transfer period, the potential to be applied to the charge         accumulation electrode segment (the first photoelectric         conversion section segment) positioned closest to the first         electrode is lower than the potential to be applied to the         charge accumulation electrode segment (the N-th photoelectric         conversion section segment) positioned farthest from the first         electrode.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a configuration may be adopted in which:

-   -   at least a floating diffusion layer and an amplification         transistor included in the control section are provided in the         semiconductor substrate, and     -   the first electrode is coupled to the floating diffusion layer         and a gate section of the amplification transistor. Then, in         this case, furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which:     -   a reset transistor and a selection transistor included in the         control section are further provided in the semiconductor         substrate,     -   the floating diffusion layer is coupled to one of source/drain         regions of the reset transistor, and     -   one of source/drain regions of the amplification transistor is         coupled to one of source/drain regions of the selection         transistor, and another one of the source/drain regions of the         selection transistor is coupled to a signal line.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which the charge accumulation electrode is larger in size than the first electrode. Although not limited, it is preferred to satisfy:

4≤s ₁ ′/s ₁

where s₁′ denotes the area of the charge accumulation electrode, and s₁ denotes the area of the first electrode.

Alternatively, as modification examples of the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, imaging elements of first to sixth configurations described below may be adopted. That is, in the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above,

-   -   the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2)         photoelectric conversion section segments,     -   the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the like         include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,     -   the insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,     -   in the imaging elements of the first to third configurations,         the charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation         electrode segments,     -   in the imaging elements of the fourth and fifth configurations,         the charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation         electrode segments disposed at a distance from each other,     -   an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion         section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode         segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th         photoelectric conversion layer segment, and     -   the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value         of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode. Here,         the “photoelectric conversion layer segment” refers to a segment         including the photoelectric conversion layer, the protection         layer, and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer that         are stacked.

Then, in the imaging element of the first configuration, the thicknesses of the insulating layer segments gradually change from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. In addition, in the imaging element of the second configuration, the thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments gradually change from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. It is to be noted that, in the photoelectric conversion layer segment, the thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer segment may be changed by changing the thickness of the portion of the photoelectric conversion layer while making the thickness of the portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer constant. The thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer segment may be changed by changing the thickness of the portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer while making the thickness of the portion of the photoelectric conversion layer constant. The thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer segment may be changed by changing the thickness of the portion of the photoelectric conversion layer and changing the thickness of the portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. Further, in the imaging element of the third configuration, materials included in the insulating layer segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments. In addition, in the imaging element of the fourth configuration, materials included in the charge accumulation electrode segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments. Further, in the imaging element of the fifth configuration, the areas of the charge accumulation electrode segments gradually decrease from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. The areas may decrease continuously or may decrease stepwise.

Alternatively, in the imaging element of the sixth configuration in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, the cross-sectional area of a stacked portion in which the charge accumulation electrode, the insulating layer, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer are stacked, as cut along a Y—Z virtual plane, changes in accordance with a distance from the first electrode, where a Z direction is a stacking direction of the charge accumulation electrode, the insulating layer, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer, and an X direction is a direction away from the first electrode. The change in the cross-sectional area may be a continuous change or may be a stepwise change.

In the imaging elements of the first and second configurations, the N photoelectric conversion layer segments are continuously provided, the N insulating layer segments are also continuously provided, and the N charge accumulation electrode segments are also continuously provided. In the imaging elements of the third to fifth configurations, the N photoelectric conversion layer segments are continuously provided. In addition, in the imaging elements of the fourth and fifth configurations, the N insulating layer segments are continuously provided, whereas in the imaging element of the third configuration, the N insulating layer segments are provided to correspond to the respective photoelectric conversion section segments. Further, in the imaging elements of the fourth and fifth configurations, and in the imaging element of the third configuration depending on the case, the N charge accumulation electrode segments are provided to correspond to the respective photoelectric conversion section segments. Then, in the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations, the same potential is applied to all of the charge accumulation electrode segments. Alternatively, in the imaging elements of the fourth and fifth configurations, and in the imaging element of the third configuration depending on the case, different potentials may be applied to the N charge accumulation electrode segments.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including any of the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations, the thicknesses of the insulating layer segments are defined. Alternatively, the thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments are defined. Alternatively, the materials included in the insulating layer segments are different. Alternatively, the materials included in the charge accumulation electrode segments are different. Alternatively, the areas of the charge accumulation electrode segments are defined. Alternatively, the cross-sectional area of the stacked portion is defined. Therefore, a kind of charge transfer gradient is formed, and it becomes possible to transfer the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion to the first electrode more easily and with reliability. Then, as a result, it is possible to prevent generation of residual image or prevent some electric charge from remaining untransferred.

In the imaging elements of the first to fifth configurations, the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode. Whether or not the photoelectric conversion section segment is positioned away from the first electrode is determined with respect to the X direction. In addition, while the direction away from the first electrode is the X direction in the imaging element of the sixth configuration, the “X direction” is defined as follows. That is, a pixel region in which a plurality of imaging elements or stacked imaging elements is arranged includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a two-dimensional array, i.e., arranged systematically in the X direction and the Y direction. In a case where the plane shape of the pixels is rectangular, the direction in which the side closest to the first electrode extends is the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the X direction. Alternatively, in a case where the pixels have any plane shape, an overall direction including the line segment or curve closest to the first electrode is the Y direction, and the direction orthogonal to the Y direction is the X direction.

In relation to the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations, description is given below of a case where the potential of the first electrode is higher than the potential of the second electrode.

In the imaging element of the first configuration, the thicknesses of the insulating layer segments gradually change from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. It is preferred that the thicknesses of the insulating layer segments gradually increase. This forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. Then, in a case where a state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment is able to accumulate more electric charge and is subjected to a more intense electric field than the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment. This makes it possible to prevent the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode with reliability. In addition, in a case where a state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment to the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment with reliability.

In the imaging element of the second configuration, the thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments gradually change from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. It is preferred that the thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments gradually increase. This forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. Then, in a case where a state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, a more intense electric field is applied to the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment than to the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment. This makes it possible to prevent the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode with reliability. In addition, in a case where a state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment to the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment with reliability.

In the imaging element of the third configuration, the materials included in the insulating layer segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments, and this forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. It is preferred that the values of dielectric constant of the materials included in the insulating layer segments gradually decrease from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. With such a configuration employed, in a case where a state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment is able to accumulate more electric charge than the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment. In addition, in a case where a state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment to the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment with reliability.

In the imaging element of the fourth configuration, the materials included in the charge accumulation electrode segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments, and this forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. It is preferred that the values of work function of the materials included in the insulating layer segments gradually increase from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment. With such a configuration employed, it is possible to form a potential gradient advantageous for signal charge transfer regardless of whether the voltage (potential) is positive or negative.

In the imaging element of the fifth configuration, the areas of the charge accumulation electrode segments gradually decrease from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the N-th photoelectric conversion section segment, and this forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. Therefore, in a case where the state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment is able to accumulate more electric charge than the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment. In addition, in a case where a state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the first photoelectric conversion section segment to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the (n+1)-th photoelectric conversion section segment to the n-th photoelectric conversion section segment with reliability.

In the imaging element of the sixth configuration, the cross-sectional area of the stacked portion changes in accordance with the distance from the first electrode, and this forms a kind of charge transfer gradient. Specifically, by employing a configuration in which the thickness of the cross section of the stacked portion is constant and the width of the cross section of the stacked portion decreases as being away from the first electrode, it becomes possible for a region near the first electrode to accumulate more electric charge than a region far from the first electrode in a case where the state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, similarly to the description of the imaging element of the fifth configuration. Therefore, in a case where the state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the region near the first electrode to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the far region to the near region with reliability. In contrast, by employing a configuration in which the width of the cross section of the stacked portion is constant and the thickness of the cross section of the stacked portion, specifically, the thickness of the insulating layer segment is gradually increased, in a case where the state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, the region near the first electrode is able to accumulate more electric charge and is subjected to a more intense electric field than the region far from the first electrode, making it possible to prevent the flow of electric charge from the region near the first electrode to the first electrode with reliability, similarly to the description of the imaging element of the first configuration. Then, in a case where the state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the region near the first electrode to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the far region to the near region with reliability. In addition, by employing the configuration in which the thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments are gradually increased, a more intense electric field is applied to the region near the first electrode than to the region far from the first electrode in a case where the state of V₃₁≥V₁₁ is established in the charge accumulation period, making it possible to prevent the flow of electric charge from the region near the first electrode to the first electrode with reliability, similarly to the description of the imaging element of the second configuration. Then, in a case where the state of V₃₂<V₁₂ is established in the charge transfer period, it is possible to secure the flow of electric charge from the region near the first electrode to the first electrode and the flow of electric charge from the far region to the near region with reliability.

Two or more of the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations including the preferred modes described above may be appropriately combined as desired.

As a modification example of the solid-state imaging devices according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure, a solid-state imaging device may have a configuration in which

-   -   the solid-state imaging device includes any of a plurality of         the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations,     -   the plurality of imaging elements constitute an imaging element         block, and     -   the first electrode is shared by the plurality of imaging         elements constituting the imaging element block. The solid-state         imaging device having such a configuration is referred to as a         “solid-state imaging device of a first configuration” for the         sake of convenience. Alternatively, as a modification example of         the solid-state imaging devices according to the first and         second aspects of the present disclosure, a solid-state imaging         device may have a configuration in which     -   the solid-state imaging device includes any of a plurality of         the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations or a         plurality of stacked imaging elements including at least one of         the imaging elements of the first to sixth configurations,     -   the plurality of imaging elements or stacked imaging elements         constitutes an imaging element block, and     -   the first electrode is shared by the plurality of imaging         elements or stacked imaging elements constituting the imaging         element block. The solid-state imaging device having such a         configuration is referred to as a “solid-state imaging device of         a second configuration” for the sake of convenience. Then, by         allowing the first electrode to be shared by the plurality of         imaging elements constituting the imaging element block as         described above, it is possible to simplify and miniaturize the         configuration and structure of the pixel region in which a         plurality of imaging elements is arranged.

In the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations, one floating diffusion layer is provided for a plurality of imaging elements (one imaging element block). Here, the plurality of imaging elements provided for one floating diffusion layer may include a plurality of imaging elements of a first type described later, or may include at least one imaging element of the first type and one or two or more imaging elements of a second type described later. Then, appropriately controlling the timing of the charge transfer period allows for sharing of one floating diffusion layer among the plurality of imaging elements. The plurality of imaging elements is caused to operate together and is coupled as an imaging element block to a drive circuit described later. That is, the plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block is coupled to one drive circuit. However, control of the charge accumulation electrode is performed for each imaging element. In addition, it is possible for the plurality of imaging elements to share one contact hole section. The arrangement relationship between the first electrode shared by the plurality of imaging elements and the charge accumulation electrode of each imaging element may be such that, in some cases, the first electrode is disposed to be adjacent to the charge accumulation electrode of each imaging element. Alternatively, the first electrode may be disposed to be adjacent to the charge accumulation electrodes of some of the plurality of imaging elements and not disposed to be adjacent to the charge accumulation electrodes of the rest of the plurality of imaging elements. In this case, the movement of electric charge from the rest of the plurality of imaging elements to the first electrode is movement via some of the plurality of imaging elements. In order to ensure movement of electric charge from each imaging element to the first electrode, it is preferred that a distance between a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element and a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element (referred to as a “distance A” for the sake of convenience) be longer than a distance between the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode in an imaging element adjacent to the first electrode (referred to as a “distance B” for the sake of convenience). In addition, it is preferred that the value of the distance A be larger in the imaging element positioned farther away from the first electrode. It is to be noted that the description above is applicable not only to the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations but also to the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second aspects of the present disclosure.

Further, in the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, a mode may be adopted in which light enters from side of the second electrode, and a light-blocking layer is formed on the light incident side closer to the second electrode. Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which light enters from the side of the second electrode, and no light enters the first electrode (depending on the case, light enters neither of the first electrode and the transfer control electrode). Then, in this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the light-blocking layer is formed on the light incident side closer to the second electrode and above the first electrode (depending on the case, the first electrode and the transfer control electrode). Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which an on-chip microlens is provided above the charge accumulation electrode and the second electrode, and the light entering the on-chip microlens is condensed onto the charge accumulation electrode. Here, the light-blocking layer may be disposed above the surface of the second electrode on the light incident side, or may be disposed on the surface of the second electrode on the light incident side. The light-blocking layer may be formed in the second electrode depending on the case. Examples of a material to be included in light-blocking layer include chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), tungsten (W), and non-light-transmitting resins (e.g., polyimide resin).

Specific examples of the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure include: an imaging element (referred to as a “blue light imaging element of a first type” for the sake of convenience) that has sensitivity to blue light and includes a photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section (referred to as a “blue light photoelectric conversion layer of a first type” or a “blue light photoelectric conversion section of a first type” for the sake of convenience) that absorbs blue light (light at 425 nm to 495 nm); an imaging element (referred to as a “green light imaging element of a first type” for the sake of convenience) that has sensitivity to green light and includes a photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section (referred to as a “green light photoelectric conversion layer of a first type” or a “green light photoelectric conversion section of a first type” for the sake of convenience) that absorbs green light (light at 495 nm to 570 nm); and an imaging element (referred to as a “red light imaging element of a first type” for the sake convenience) that has sensitivity to red light and includes a photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section (referred to as a “red light photoelectric conversion layer of a first type” or a “red light photoelectric conversion section of a first type” for the sake of convenience) that absorbs red light (light at 620 nm to 750 nm). In addition, an existing imaging element that does not include the charge accumulation electrode and that has sensitivity to blue light is referred to as a “blue light imaging element of a second type” for the sake convenience. An existing imaging element that does not include the charge accumulation electrode and that has sensitivity to green light is referred to as a “green light imaging element of a second type” for the sake of convenience. An existing imaging element that does not include the charge accumulation electrode and that has sensitivity to red light is referred to as a “red light imaging element of a second type” for the sake of convenience. A photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section included in the blue light imaging element of the second type is referred to as a “blue light photoelectric conversion layer of a second type” or a “blue light photoelectric conversion section of a second type” for the sake of convenience. A photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section included in the green light imaging element of the second type is referred to as a “green light photoelectric conversion layer of a second type” or a “green light photoelectric conversion section of a second type” for the sake of convenience. A photoelectric conversion layer or a photoelectric conversion section included in the red light imaging element of the second type is referred to as a “red light photoelectric conversion layer of a second type” or a “red light photoelectric conversion section of a second type” for the sake of convenience.

The stacked imaging element of the present disclosure includes at least one imaging element or the like (photoelectric conversion element) of the present disclosure, and specific examples of the configuration and structure of the stacked imaging element include:

[A] a configuration and a structure in which the blue light photoelectric conversion section of the first type, the green light photoelectric conversion section of the first type, and the red light photoelectric conversion section of the first type are stacked in a vertical direction, and

-   -   the control sections of the blue light imaging element of the         first type, the green light imaging element of the first type,         and the red light imaging element of the first type are each         provided in the semiconductor substrate;         [B] a configuration and a structure in which the blue light         photoelectric conversion section of the first type and the green         light photoelectric conversion section of the first type are         stacked in the vertical direction,     -   the red light photoelectric conversion section of the second         type is disposed below these two layers of photoelectric         conversion sections of the first type, and     -   the control sections of the blue light imaging element of the         first type, the green light imaging element of the first type,         and the red light imaging element of the second type are each         provided in the semiconductor substrate;         [C] a configuration and a structure in which the blue light         photoelectric conversion section of the second type and the red         light photoelectric conversion section of the second type are         disposed below the green light photoelectric conversion section         of the first type, and     -   the control sections of the green light imaging element of the         first type, the blue light imaging element of the second type,         and the red light imaging element of the second type are each         provided in the semiconductor substrate; and         [D] a configuration and a structure in which the green light         photoelectric conversion section of the second type and the red         light photoelectric conversion section of the second type are         disposed below the blue light photoelectric conversion section         of the first type, and     -   the control sections of the blue light imaging element of the         first type, the green light imaging element of the second type,         and the red light imaging element of the second type are each         provided in the semiconductor substrate. It is preferred that         the arrangement order of the photoelectric conversion sections         of these imaging elements in the vertical direction be the order         of the blue light photoelectric conversion section, the green         light photoelectric conversion section, and the red light         photoelectric conversion section from light incident direction,         or the order of the green light photoelectric conversion         section, the blue light photoelectric conversion section, and         the red light photoelectric conversion section from the light         incident direction. One reason for this is that the light of a         shorter wavelength is efficiently absorbed on incident surface         side. Red has the longest wavelength among the three colors, and         it is therefore preferred that the red light photoelectric         conversion section be positioned in the lowest layer as viewed         from light incident surface. One pixel is configured by the         stacked structure of these imaging elements. In addition, a         near-infrared photoelectric conversion section (alternatively,         an infrared photoelectric conversion section) of a first type         may be provided. Here, it is preferred that the photoelectric         conversion layer of the infrared photoelectric conversion         section of the first type include, for example, an organic         material and be disposed in the lowest layer of the stacked         structure of the imaging elements of the first type and above         the imaging elements of the second type. Alternatively, a         near-infrared photoelectric conversion section (alternatively,         an infrared photoelectric conversion section) of a second type         may be provided below the photoelectric conversion sections of         the first type.

In the imaging elements of the first type, the first electrode is formed on, for example, an interlayer insulating layer provided on the semiconductor substrate. The imaging element formed on the semiconductor substrate may be of a back illuminated type or a front illuminated type.

In a case where the photoelectric conversion layer includes an organic material, any one of the following four aspects may be adopted for the photoelectric conversion layer.

(1) The photoelectric conversion layer includes a p-type organic semiconductor. (2) The photoelectric conversion layer includes an n-type organic semiconductor. (3) The photoelectric conversion layer includes a stacked structure of a p-type organic semiconductor layer/an n-type organic semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a stacked structure of a p-type organic semiconductor layer/a mixed layer (bulk hetero structure) of a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor/an n-type organic semiconductor layer. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a stacked structure of a p-type organic semiconductor layer/a mixed layer (bulk hetero structure) of a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor. The photoelectric conversion layer includes a stacked structure of an n-type organic semiconductor layer/a mixed layer (bulk hetero structure) of a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor. (4) The photoelectric conversion layer includes a mixture (bulk hetero structure) of a p-type organic semiconductor and an n-type organic semiconductor. Note that the order of stacking may be changed arbitrarily.

Examples of the p-type organic semiconductor include a naphthalene derivative, an anthracene derivative, a phenanthrene derivative, a pyrene derivative, a perylene derivative, a tetracene derivative, a pentacene derivative, a quinacridone derivative, a thiophene derivative, a thienothiophene derivative, a benzothiophene derivative, a benzothienobenzothiophene derivative, a triallylamine derivative, a carbazole derivative, a perylene derivative, a picene derivative, a chrysene derivative, a fluoranthene derivative, a phthalocyanine derivative, a subphthalocyanine derivative, a subporphyrazine derivative, a metal complex including heterocyclic compounds as ligands, a polythiophene derivative, a polybenzothiadiazole derivative, and a polyfluorene derivative. Examples of the n-type organic semiconductor include a fullerene and a fullerene derivative <e.g., fullerene (higher fullerene), such as C60, C70, and C74, endohedral fullerene, or the like) or fullerene derivative (e.g., fullerene fluoride, PCBM fullerene compound, fullerene multimer, or the like)>, an organic semiconductor with larger (deeper) HOMO and LUMO than the p-type organic semiconductor, and transparent inorganic metal oxide. Specific examples of the n-type organic semiconductor include organic molecules including, as part of molecular framework, a heterocyclic compound containing nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, and sulfur atoms, such as a pyridine derivative, a pyrazine derivative, a pyrimidine derivative, a triazine derivative, a quinoline derivative, a quinoxaline derivative, an isoquinoline derivative, an acridine derivative, a phenazine derivative, a phenanthroline derivative, a tetrazole derivative, a pyrazole derivative, an imidazole derivative, a thiazole derivative, an oxazole derivative, an imidazole derivative, a benzimidazole derivative, a benzotriazole derivative, a benzoxazole derivative, a benzoxazole derivative, a carbazole derivative, a benzofuran derivative, a dibenzofuran derivative, a subporphyrazine derivative, a polyphenylene vinylene derivative, a polybenzothiadiazole derivative, and a polyfluorene derivative, an organic metal complex, and a subphthalocyanine derivative. Examples of groups and the like included in the fullerene derivative include: halogen atoms; a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic alkyl group or phenyl group; a group including a straight-chain or condensed aromatic compound; a group including halide; a partial fluoroalkyl group; a perfluoroalkyl group; a silylalkyl group; a silylalkoxy group; an arylsilyl group; an arylsulfanyl group; an alkylsulfanyl group; an arylsulfonyl group; an alkylsulfonyl group; an arylsulfide group; an alkylsulfide group; an amino group; an alkylamino group; an arylamino group; a hydroxy group; an alkoxy group; an acylamino group; an acyloxy group; a carbonyl group; a carboxy group; a carboxamide group; a carboalkoxy group; an acyl group; a sulfonyl group; a cyano group; a nitro group; a group including chalcogenide; a phosphine group; a phosphon group; and derivatives thereof. Thickness of the photoelectric conversion layer including an organic material (which is referred to as an “organic photoelectric conversion layer” in some cases) is not limited and may be, for example, 1×10⁻⁸ m to 5×10⁻⁷ m, preferably, 2.5×10⁻⁸ m to 3×10⁻⁷ m, more preferably, 2.5×10⁻⁸ m to 2×10⁻⁷ m, still more preferably, 1×10⁻⁷ m to 1.8×10⁻⁷ m. It is to be noted that the organic semiconductors are often classified into p-type and n-type. The p-type means that the holes are easily transportable, and the n-type means that the electrons are easily transportable. The organic semiconductor is not limited to the interpretation that it has holes or electrons as majority carriers of thermal excitation, as in inorganic semiconductors.

Alternatively, examples of a material to be included in the organic photoelectric conversion layer for performing photoelectric conversion of green light include a rhodamine-based dye, a merocyanine-based dye, a quinacridone derivative, a subphthalocyanine-based dye (subphthalocyanine derivative), and the like. Examples of a material to be included in the organic photoelectric conversion layer for performing photoelectric conversion of blue light include a coumaric acid dye, tris-8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum (Alq3), a merocyanine-based dye, and the like. Examples of a material to be included in the organic photoelectric conversion layer for performing photoelectric conversion of red light include a phthalocyanine-based dye, a subphthalocyanine-based dye (subphthalocyanine derivative), and the like.

Alternatively, examples of the inorganic material to be included in the photoelectric conversion layer include crystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, microcrystalline silicone, crystalline selenium, amorphous selenium, chalcopyrite compounds, such as CIGS (CuInGaSe), CIS (CuInSe₂), CuInS₂, CuAlS₂, CuAlSe₂, CuGaS₂, CuGaSe₂, AgAlS₂, AgAlSe₂, AgInS₂, and AgInSe₂, or group III-V compounds, such as GaAs, InP, AlGaAs, InGaP, AlGaInP, and InGaAsP, and furthermore, compound semiconductors of CdSe, CdS, In₂Se₃, In₂S₃, Bi₂Se₃, Bi₂S₃, ZnSe, ZnS, PbSe, PbS, and the like. In addition, quantum dots including these materials are also usable for the photoelectric conversion layer.

The solid-state imaging devices according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure and the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations are able to configure single-plate color solid-state imaging devices.

In the solid-state imaging device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure including the stacked imaging element, the imaging elements having sensitivity to light of a plurality of types of wavelengths are stacked in the direction in which light enters within the same pixel to constitute one pixel, unlike in a solid-state imaging device including imaging elements in Bayer arrangement (i.e., not using a color filter layer for performing blue, green, or red spectral separation). It is therefore possible to achieve improvement of sensitivity and improvement of the pixel density per unit volume. In addition, organic materials are high in absorption coefficient, and thus make it possible to reduce the thickness of the organic photoelectric conversion layer, as compared with an existing Si-based photoelectric conversion layer. This reduces leakage of light from adjacent pixels and eases restrictions on a light incident angle. Further, while existing Si-based imaging elements suffer from generation of false colors because an interpolation process is performed for pixels of three colors to create color signals, the generation of the false colors is suppressed in the solid-state imaging device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure including the stacked imaging element. The organic photoelectric conversion layer itself also serves as a color filter layer, and therefore it is possible to separate the colors without disposing a color filter layer.

Meanwhile, in the solid-state imaging device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, employing the color filter layer makes it possible to ease demands on the spectral characteristics of blue, green, and red, and provides high mass productivity. Examples of arrangement of the imaging elements in the solid-state imaging device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure include an interline arrangement, a G stripe RB checkered arrangement, a G stripe RB full checkered arrangement, a checkered complementary color arrangement, a stripe arrangement, a diagonal stripe arrangement, a primary color difference arrangement, a field color difference sequential arrangement, a frame color difference sequential arrangement, a MOS arrangement, an improved MOS arrangement, a frame interleave arrangement, and a field interleave arrangement, as well as the Bayer arrangement. Here, one imaging element constitutes one pixel (or subpixel).

Examples of the color filter layers (wavelength selection means) include filter layers that transmit not only red, green, and blue, but also specific wavelengths, such as cyan, magenta, and yellow, depending on the case. It is possible for the color filter layer to be configured not only by an organic material-based color filter layer using an organic compound such as a pigment or a dye, but also by a thin film including an inorganic material such as a photonic crystal, a wavelength selection element based on application of plasmon (color filter layer having a conductor lattice structure with a lattice-like hole structure in a conductive thin film; see, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2008-177191), or amorphous silicon.

The pixel region in which a plurality of imaging elements or the like of the present disclosure or stacked imaging elements of the present disclosure are arranged includes a plurality of pixels systematically arranged in a two-dimensional array. The pixel region typically includes: an effective pixel region in which light is actually received to generate signal charge through photoelectric conversion, and the signal charge is amplified and read out to the drive circuit; and a black reference pixel region (also called an optical black pixel region (OPB)) for outputting optical black serving as a black level reference. The black reference pixel region is typically disposed on the outer periphery of the effective pixel region.

In the imaging element or the like of the present disclosure including the various preferred modes described above, irradiation with light is performed, photoelectric conversion is generated in the photoelectric conversion layer, and holes and electrons are subjected to carrier separation. Then, an electrode from which the holes are extracted is an anode, and an electrode from which the electrons are extracted is a cathode. The first electrode constitutes the cathode, and the second electrode constitutes the anode.

A configuration may be adopted in which the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the transfer control electrode, the charge movement control electrode, the charge drain electrode, and the second electrode include transparent electrically-conductive materials. The first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the transfer control electrode, the charge movement control electrode, and the charge drain electrode are collectively referred to as a “first electrode or the like” in some cases. Alternatively, in a case where the imaging elements or the like of the present disclosure are arranged on a plane as in, for example, a Bayer arrangement, a configuration may be adopted in which the second electrode includes a transparent electrically-conductive material, and the first electrode or the like includes a metal material. In this case, specifically, a configuration may be adopted in which the second electrode positioned on the light incident side includes a transparent electrically-conductive material, and the first electrode or the like includes, for example, Al—Nd (alloy of aluminum and neodymium) or ASC (alloy of aluminum, samarium, and copper). An electrode including a transparent electrically-conductive material is referred to as a “transparent electrode” in some cases. Here, it is desirable that the band-gap energy of the transparent electrically-conductive material be 2.5 eV or more, preferably, 3.1 eV or more. Examples of the transparent electrically-conductive material to be included in the transparent electrode include electrically-conductive metal oxides. Specifically, examples of the transparent electrically-conductive material include indium oxide, indium-tin oxide (ITO, Indium Tin Oxide, including Sn-doped In₂O₃, crystalline ITO, and amorphous ITO), indium-zinc oxide (IZO, Indium Zinc Oxide) in which indium is added as a dopant to zinc oxide, indium-gallium oxide (IGO) in which indium is added as a dopant to gallium oxide, indium-gallium-zinc oxide (IGZO, In—GaZnO₄) in which indium and gallium are added as dopants to zinc oxide, indium-tin-zinc oxide (ITZO) in which indium and tin are added as dopants to zinc oxide, IFO (F-doped In₂O₃), tin oxide (SnO₂), ATO (Sb-doped SnO₂), FTO (F-doped SnO₂), zinc oxide (including ZnO doped with another element), aluminum-zinc oxide (AZO) in which aluminum is added as a dopant to zinc oxide, gallium-zinc oxide (GZO) in which gallium is added as a dopant to zinc oxide, titanium oxide (TiO₂), niobium-titanium oxide (TNO) in which niobium is added as a dopant to titanium oxide, antimony oxide, CuI, InSbO₄, ZnMgO, CuInO₂, MgIn₂O₄, CdO, ZnSnO₃, spinel oxide, and an oxide having YbFe₂O₄ structure. Alternatively, the transparent electrode may include gallium oxide, titanium oxide, niobium oxide, nickel oxide, or the like as a mother layer. An example of the thickness of the transparent electrode may be 2×10⁻⁸ m to 2×10⁻⁷ m, preferably, 3×10⁻⁸ m to 1×10⁻⁷ m. In a case where the first electrode has to be transparent, it is preferred that the charge drain electrode also include a transparent electrically-conductive material, from the viewpoint of simplification of the manufacturing process.

Alternatively, in a case where transparency is not necessary, it is preferred to use an electrically-conductive material with a low work function (e.g., ϕ=3.5 eV to 4.5 eV) as an electrically-conductive material to be included in the cathode which functions as an electrode for extracting electrons. Specifically, examples of such an electrically-conductive material include alkali metal (e.g., Li, Na, K, and the like) and fluorides or oxides thereof, alkaline earth metal (e.g., Mg, Ca, and the like) and fluorides or oxides thereof, aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), a sodium-potassium alloy, an aluminum-lithium alloy, a magnesium-silver alloy, indium, rare earth metal such as ytterbium, and alloys thereof. Alternatively, examples of the material to be included in the cathode include electrically-conductive materials, including metal such as platinum (Pt), gold (Au), palladium (Pd), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), tantalum (Ta), tungsten. (W), copper (Cu), titanium (Ti), indium (In), tin (Sn), iron (Fe), cobalt (Co), or molybdenum (Mo), alloys including these metal elements, electrically-conductive particles including these metals, electrically-conductive particles of alloys containing these metals, polysilicon including impurities, carbon materials, oxide semiconductor materials, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and the like, and stacked structures of layers including these elements. Further examples of the material to be included in the cathode include organic materials (electrically-conductive polymers) such as poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/polystyrenesulfonic acid [PEDOT/PSS]. In addition, these electrically-conductive materials may be mixed with a binder (polymer) into a paste or an ink, and the paste or the ink may be cured and used as an electrode.

A dry method or a wet method is usable as a film-formation method for the first electrode or the like and the second electrode (cathode or anode). Examples of the dry method include a physical vapor deposition method (PVD method) and a chemical vapor deposition method (CVD method). Examples of the film-formation method using the principle of the PVD method include a vacuum deposition method using resistance heating or radio frequency heating, an EB (electron beam) deposition method, various sputtering methods (a magnetron sputtering method, an RF-DC coupled bias sputtering method, an ECR sputtering method, a facing-target sputtering method, and a high frequency sputtering method), an ion plating method, a laser ablation method, a molecular beam epitaxy method, and a laser transfer method. In addition, examples of the CVD method include a plasma CVD method, a thermal CVD method, an organic metal (MO) CVD method, and an optical CVD method. Meanwhile, examples of the wet method include an electrolytic plating method and an electroless plating method, a spin coating method, an ink jet method, a spray coating method, a stamping method, a micro contact printing method, a flexographic printing method, an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, a dipping method, etc. Examples of patterning methods include chemical etching, including shadow mask, laser transfer, photolithography, and the like, and physical etching by ultraviolet light, laser, or the like. Examples of planarization techniques for the first electrode or the like and the second electrode include a laser planarization method, a reflow method, a CMP (Chemical Mechanical Polishing) method, etc.

Examples of the material to be included in the insulating layer include not only inorganic insulating materials exemplified by metal oxide high dielectric insulating materials including: silicon oxide materials; silicon nitride (SiN_(y)); and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), but also organic insulating materials (organic polymers) exemplified by polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); polyvinyl phenol (PVP); polyvinyl alcohol (PVA); polyimide; polycarbonate (PC); polyethylene terephthalate (PET); polystyrene; silanol derivatives (silane coupling agents) including N-2 (aminoethyl) 3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AEAPTMS), 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS), octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS) and the like; novolac-type phenolic resins; fluoro resins; straight-chain hydrocarbons having a functional group being able to bond to the control electrode at one end, including octadecanethiol, dodecyl isocyanate and the like, and combinations thereof. Examples of the silicon oxide-based materials include silicon oxide (SiOx), BPSG, PSG, BSG, AsSG, PbSG, silicon oxynitride (SiON), SOG (spin-on-glass), and low dielectric constant insulating materials (e.g., polyaryl ether, cycloperfluorocarbon polymers and benzocyclobutene, cyclic fluoro resins, polytetrafluoroethylene, fluorinated aryl ether, fluorinated polyimide, amorphous carbon, and organic SOG). The insulating layer may have a single-layer configuration, or a configuration including a plurality of layers (e.g., two layers) stacked. In the latter case, an insulating layer/lower layer may be formed at least over the charge accumulation electrode and in a region between the charge accumulation electrode and the first electrode. A planarization process may be performed on the insulating layer/lower layer to allow the insulating layer/lower layer to remain at least in the region between the charge accumulation electrode and the first electrode. It is sufficient that an insulating layer/upper layer is formed over the remaining insulating layer/lower layer and the charge accumulation electrode. In this way, it is possible to planarize the insulating layer with reliability. It is sufficient that materials forming various interlayer insulating layers, protection material layer, and insulating material layers are appropriately selected from these materials.

The configurations and structures of the floating diffusion layer, the amplification transistor, the reset transistor, and the selection transistor included in the control section may be similar to the configurations and structures of existing floating diffusion layers, amplification transistors, reset transistors, and selection transistors. The drive circuit may also have a well-known configuration and structure.

While the first electrode is coupled to the floating diffusion layer and a gate section of the amplification transistor, it is sufficient that a contact hole section is formed for the coupling of the first electrode to the floating diffusion layer and the gate section of the amplification transistor. Examples of a material for forming the contact hole section include polysilicon doped with impurities, a high melting point metal such as tungsten, Ti, Pt, Pd, Cu, TiW, TiN, TiNW, WSi₂, or MoSi₂, a metal silicide, and a stacked structure of layers including these materials (e.g., Ti/TiN/W).

A first carrier blocking layer may be provided between the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the first electrode, and a second carrier blocking layer may be provided between the organic photoelectric conversion layer and the second electrode. In addition, a first charge injection layer may be provided between the first carrier blocking layer and the first electrode, and a second charge injection layer may be provided between the second carrier blocking layer and the second electrode. For example, examples of the materials to be included in the electron injection layers include alkali metal, including lithium (Li), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), fluorides or oxides thereof, alkaline earth metal, including magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca), and fluorides or oxides thereof.

Examples of a film-formation method for various organic layers include a dry film-forming method and a wet film-forming method. Examples of the dry film-forming method include a vacuum deposition method using resistance heating, high frequency heating, or electron beam heating, a flash deposition method, a plasma deposition method, an EB deposition method, various sputtering methods (a bipolar sputtering method, a direct current sputtering method, a direct current magnetron sputtering method, a high frequency sputtering method, a magnetron sputtering method, an RF-DC coupled bias sputtering method, an ECR sputtering method, a facing-target sputtering method, a high frequency sputtering method, and an ion beam sputtering method), a DC (Direct Current) method, an RF method, a multi-cathode method, an activation reaction method, an electric field deposition method, various ion plating methods including a high-frequency ion plating method and a reactive ion plating method, a laser ablation method, a molecular beam epitaxy method, a laser transfer method, and a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) method. In addition, examples of the CVD methods include a plasma CVD method, a thermal CVD method, an MOCVD method, and a photo CVD method. Meanwhile, specific examples of the wet method include a spin coating method; a dipping method; a casting method; a micro contact printing method; a drop casting method; various printing methods including a screen printing method, an ink jet printing method, an offset printing method, a gravure printing method, and a flexographic printing method; a stamping method; a spray method; various coating methods including an air doctor coater method, a blade coater method, a rod coater method, a knife coater method, a squeeze coater method, a reverse roll coater method, a transfer roll coater method, a gravure coater method, a kiss coater method, a cast coater method, a spray coater method, a slit orifice coater method, and a calendar coater method. Examples of a solvent in the coating method include nonpolar or low polar organic solvents including toluene, chloroform, hexane, and ethanol. Examples of patterning methods include chemical etching including shadow mask, laser transfer, photolithography, and the like, and physical etching by ultraviolet light, laser, or the like. Examples of planarization techniques for various organic layers include a laser planarization method, a reflow method, etc.

As described above, the on-chip microlens and the light-blocking layer may be provided on the imaging element or the solid-state imaging device as necessary, and the drive circuit and wiring lines for driving the imaging element are provided. A shutter for controlling incidence of light on the imaging element may be disposed as necessary, and an optical cut filter may be provided according to the purpose of the solid-state imaging device.

In addition, for the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations, a mode may be adopted in which one on-chip microlens is disposed above one imaging element or the like of the present disclosure. Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which two imaging elements or the like of the present disclosure constitute an imaging element block, and one on-chip microlens is disposed above the imaging element block.

For example, in a case of stacking the solid-state imaging device and a readout integrated circuit (ROIC), the stacking may be performed by laying a driving substrate having the readout integrated circuit and a connection section including copper (Cu) formed thereon and an imaging element having a connection section formed thereon over each other such that their respective connection sections come into contact with each other, and joining the connection sections. The connection sections may be joined to each other using a solder bump or the like.

Further, a driving method for driving the solid-state imaging devices according to the first and second aspects of the present disclosure may be a driving method of the solid-state imaging device repeating the steps of:

-   -   draining electric charge in the first electrodes out of the         system all at once while accumulating electric charge in the         inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers (alternatively,         the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers and the         photoelectric conversion layers) in all of the imaging elements;         and thereafter,     -   transferring the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic         oxide semiconductor material layers (alternatively, the         inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers and the         photoelectric conversion layers) all at once to the first         electrodes in all of the imaging elements, and after completion         of the transferring, sequentially reading out the electric         charge transferred to the first electrodes in the respective         imaging elements.

In such a driving method of the solid-state imaging device, each imaging element has a structure in which light having entered from side of the second electrode does not enter the first electrode and, in all of the imaging elements, electric charge in the first electrodes is drained out of the systems all at once while accumulating electric charge in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers or the like. This makes it possible to perform resetting of the first electrodes with reliability in all of the imaging elements simultaneously. Thereafter, in all of the imaging elements, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers or the like is transferred all at once to the first electrodes, and after completion of the transferring, the electric charge transferred to the first electrodes is sequentially read out in the respective imaging elements. It is therefore possible to achieve a so-called global shutter function easily.

Detailed description of the imaging element and the solid-state imaging device of Example 1 is given below.

The imaging element 10 of Example 1 further includes a semiconductor substrate (more specifically, a silicon semiconductor layer) 70, and the photoelectric conversion section is disposed above the semiconductor substrate 70. In addition, the imaging element 10 further includes the control section provided in the semiconductor substrate 70 and including the drive circuit to which the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are coupled. Here, a light incident surface of the semiconductor substrate 70 is defined as above, and opposite side of the semiconductor substrate 70 is defined as below. A wiring layer 62 including a plurality of wiring lines is provided below the semiconductor substrate 70.

At least a floating diffusion layer FD₁ and an amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) included in the control section are provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, and the first electrode 21 is coupled to the floating diffusion layer FD₁ and a gate section of the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp). A reset transistor TR1 _(rst) and a selection transistor TR1 _(sel) included in the control section are further provided in the semiconductor substrate 70. The floating diffusion layer FD₁ is coupled to one of source/drain regions of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst). Another one of source/drain regions of the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) is coupled to one of source/drain regions of the selection transistor TR1 _(sel). Another one of the source/drain regions of the selection transistor TR1 _(sel) is coupled to a signal line VSL₁. The amplification transistor TR1 _(amp), the reset transistor TR1 _(rst), and the selection transistor TR1 _(sel) constitute the drive circuit.

Specifically, the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1 are an imaging element and a stacked imaging element of the back illuminated type, and have a structure in which three imaging elements are stacked, the three imaging elements being: a green light imaging element of Example 1 of a first type (hereinafter referred to as a “first imaging element”) having sensitivity to green light and including the green light photoelectric conversion layer of the first type for absorbing green light; an existing blue light imaging element of a second type (hereinafter referred to as a “second imaging element”) having sensitivity to blue light and including the blue light photoelectric conversion layer of the second type for absorbing blue light; and an existing red light imaging element of a second type (hereinafter referred to as a “third imaging element”) having sensitivity to red light and including the red light photoelectric conversion layer of the second type for absorbing red light. Here, a red light imaging element (the third imaging element) 12 and a blue light imaging element (the second imaging element) 11 are provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, and the second imaging element 11 is positioned closer to the light incident side than the third imaging element 12. In addition, the green light imaging element (the first imaging element 10) is provided above the blue light imaging element (the second imaging element 11). The stacked structure of the first imaging element 10, the second imaging element 11, and the third imaging element 12 constitutes one pixel. No color filter layer is provided.

In the first imaging element 10, the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 are formed at a distance from each other on an interlayer insulating layer 81. The interlayer insulating layer 81 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 are covered with the insulating layer 82. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the protection layer 23B, and the photoelectric conversion layer 23A are formed on the insulating layer 82, and the second electrode 22 is formed on the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. A protection material layer 83 is formed over the entire surface inclusive of the second electrode 22, and an on-chip microlens 14 is provided on the protection material layer 83. No color filter layer is provided. The first electrode 21, the charge accumulation electrode 24, and the second electrode 22 are configured by transparent electrodes including, for example, ITO (work function: about 4.4 eV). The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C includes IGZO. The photoelectric conversion layer 23A includes a layer including a known organic photoelectric conversion material (e.g., an organic material such as rhodamine-based dye, merocyanine-based dye, or quinacridone) having sensitivity to at least green light. The interlayer insulating layer 81, the insulating layer 82, and the protection material layer 83 include a known insulating material (e.g., SiO₂ or SiN). The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the first electrode 21 are coupled to each other by a connection section 67 provided at the insulating layer 82. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C extends in the connection section 67. That is, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B extend in an opening 84 provided in the insulating layer 82, and is coupled to the first electrode 21.

The charge accumulation electrode 24 is coupled to the drive circuit. Specifically, the charge accumulation electrode 24 is coupled to a vertical drive circuit 112 included in the drive circuit, via a connection hole 66, a pad section 64, and a wiring line V_(OA) provided in the interlayer insulating layer 81.

The charge accumulation electrode 24 is larger in size than the first electrode 21. Although not limited, it is preferred to satisfy:

4≤s ₁ ′/s ₁

where s₁′ denotes the area of the charge accumulation electrode 24, and s₁ denotes the area of the first electrode 21. For example, in Example 1, the following expression holds true, although not limited thereto:

s ₁ ′/s ₁=8.

Element separation regions 71 are formed on side of a first surface (front surface) 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70, and an insulating material film 72 is formed over the first surface 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70. Further, on side of the first surface of the semiconductor substrate 70, the reset transistor TR1 _(rst), the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp), and the selection transistor TR1 _(set) included in the control section of the first imaging element 10 are provided, and further, the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ is provided.

The reset transistor TR1 _(rst) includes a gate section 51, a channel formation region 51A, and source/drain regions 51B and 51C. The gate section 51 of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) is coupled to a reset line RST₁, the one source/drain region 51C of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) also serves as the first floating diffusion layer FD₁, and another source/drain region 51B is coupled to a power supply V_(DD).

The first electrode 21 is coupled to the one source/drain region 51C (the first floating diffusion layer FD₁) of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst), via a connection hole 65 and a pad section 63 provided in the interlayer insulating layer 81, and a contact hole section 61 formed in the semiconductor substrate 70 and an interlayer insulating layer 76, and the wiring layer 62 formed in the interlayer insulating layer 76.

The amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) includes a gate section 52, a channel formation region 52A, and source/drain regions 52B and 52C. The gate section 52 is coupled to the first electrode 21 and the one source/drain region 51C (the first floating diffusion layer FD₁) of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) via the wiring layer 62. In addition, the one source/drain region 52B is coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

The selection transistor TR1 _(sel) includes a gate section 53, a channel formation region 53A, and source/drain regions 53B and 53C. The gate section 53 is coupled to a selection line SEL₁. In addition, the one source/drain region 53B shares a region with another source/drain region 52C included in the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp), and another source/drain region 53C is coupled to a signal line (data output line) VSL₁ (117).

The second imaging element 11 includes an n-type semiconductor region 41 provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, as a photoelectric conversion layer. A gate section 45 of a transfer transistor TR2 _(trs) including a vertical transistor extends to the n-type semiconductor region 41, and is coupled to a transfer gate line TG₂. In addition, a second floating diffusion layer FD₂ is provided in a region 45C of the semiconductor substrate 70 in the vicinity of the gate section 45 of the transfer transistor TR2 _(trs). Electric charge accumulated in the n-type semiconductor region 41 is read out to the second floating diffusion layer FD₂ via a transfer channel formed along the gate section 45.

In the second imaging element 11, further, a reset transistor TR2 _(rst), an amplification transistor TR2 _(amp), and a selection transistor TR2 _(sel) included in the control section of the second imaging element 11 are provided on the side of the first surface of the semiconductor substrate 70.

The reset transistor TR2 _(rst) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section of the reset transistor TR2 _(rst) is coupled to a reset line RST₂, one of the source/drain regions of the reset transistor TR2 _(rst) is coupled to the power supply V_(DD), and another one of the source/drain regions also serves as the second floating diffusion layer FD₂.

The amplification transistor TR2 _(amp) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section is coupled to the other one (the second floating diffusion layer FD₂) of the source/drain regions of the reset transistor TR2 _(rst). In addition, one of the source/drain regions is coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

The selection transistor TR2 _(sel) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section is coupled to a selection line SEL₂. In addition, one of the source/drain regions shares a region with another one of the source/drain regions included in the amplification transistor TR2 _(amp), and another one of the source/drain regions is coupled to a signal line (data output line) VSL₂.

The third imaging element 12 includes an n-type semiconductor region 43 provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, as a photoelectric conversion layer. A gate section 46 of a transfer transistor TR3 _(trs) is coupled to a transfer gate line TG₃. In addition, a third floating diffusion layer FD₃ is provided in a region 46C of the semiconductor substrate 70 in the vicinity of the gate section 46 of the transfer transistor TR3 _(trs). Electric charge accumulated in the n-type semiconductor region 43 is read out to the third floating diffusion layer FD₃ via a transfer channel 46A formed along the gate section 46.

In the third imaging element 12, further, a reset transistor TR3 _(rst), an amplification transistor TR3 _(amp), and a selection transistor TR3 _(sel) included in the control section of the third imaging element 12 are provided on the side of the first surface of the semiconductor substrate 70.

The reset transistor TR3 _(rst) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section of the reset transistor TR3 _(rst) is coupled to a reset line RST₃, one of the source/drain regions of the reset transistor TR3 _(rst) is coupled to the power supply V_(DD), and another one of the source/drain regions also serves as the third floating diffusion layer FD₃.

The amplification transistor TR3 _(amp) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section is coupled to the other one (the third floating diffusion layer FD₃) of the source/drain regions of the reset transistor TR3 _(rst). In addition, one of the source/drain regions is coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

The selection transistor TR3 _(sel) includes a gate section, a channel formation region, and source/drain regions. The gate section is coupled to a selection line SEL₃. In addition, one of the source/drain regions shares a region with another one of the source/drain regions included in the amplification transistor TR3 _(amp), and another one of the source/drain regions is coupled to a signal line (data output line) VSL₃.

The reset lines RST₁, RST₂, and RST₃, the selection lines SEL₁, SEL₂, and SEL₃, and the transfer gate lines TG₂ and TG₃ are coupled to the vertical drive circuit 112 included in the drive circuit. The signal lines (data output lines) VSL₁, VSL₂, and VSL₃ are coupled to a column signal processing circuit 113 included in the drive circuit.

A p⁺ layer 44 is provided between the n-type semiconductor region 43 and the front surface 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70, and suppresses generation of a dark current. A p⁺ layer 42 is formed between the n-type semiconductor region 41 and the n-type semiconductor region 43, and further, a portion of a side surface of the n-type semiconductor region 43 is surrounded by the p⁺ layer 42. A p⁺ layer 73 is formed on side of a back surface 70B of the semiconductor substrate 70, and an HfO₂ film 74 and an insulating material film 75 are formed in a region extending from the p⁺ layer 73 to a part inside of the semiconductor substrate 70 where the contact hole section 61 is to be formed. While wiring lines are formed across a plurality of layers in the interlayer insulating layer 76, illustrations thereof are omitted.

The HfO₂ film 74 is a film having a negative fixed charge. By providing such a film, it is possible to suppress generation of a dark current. The HfO₂ film may be replaced with an aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) film, a zirconium oxide (ZrO₂) film, a tantalum oxide (Ta₂O₅) film, a titanium oxide (TiO₂) film, a lanthanum oxide (La₂O₃) film, a praseodymium oxide (Pr₂O₃) film, a cerium oxide (CeO₂) film, a neodymium oxide (Nd₂O₃) film, a promethium oxide (Pm₂O₃) film, a samarium oxide (Sm₂O₃) film, an europium oxide (Eu₂O₃) film, a gadolinium oxide ((Gd₂O₃) film, a terbium oxide (Tb₂O₃) film, a dysprosium oxide (Dy₂O₃) film, a holmium oxide (Ho₂O₃) film, a thulium oxide (Tm₂O₃) film, a ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃) film, a lutetium oxide (Lu₂O₃) film, a yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃) film, a hafnium nitride film, an aluminum nitride film, a hafnium oxynitride film, or an aluminum oxynitride film. Examples of the film-forming method for these films include a CVD method, a PVD method, and an ALD method.

In the following, description is given of an operation of the stacked imaging element (the first imaging element 10) including the charge accumulation electrode of Example 1 with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6A. The imaging element of Example 1 further includes a control section provided in the semiconductor substrate 70 and including a drive circuit. The first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the charge accumulation electrode 24 are coupled to the drive circuit. Here, the potential of the first electrode 21 is made higher than the potential of the second electrode 22. That is, for example, the first electrode 21 is set to a positive potential and the second electrode 22 is set to a negative potential. Then, electrons generated by photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A are read out to the floating diffusion layer. The same applies also to other examples. In addition, in FIGS. 16, 25, 28, 63, 64, 65, 66, and 67, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B are collectively donated by Reference numeral 23D.

Reference numerals used in FIG. 5; FIGS. 20 and 21 in Example 4 described later; and FIGS. 32 and 33 in Example 6 are as follows.

P_(A): Potential at point P_(A) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to a region positioned intermediate between the charge accumulation electrode 24 or a transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) 25 and the first electrode 21

P_(B): Potential at point P_(B) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 P_(C1): Potential at point P_(C1) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to a charge accumulation electrode segment 24A P_(C2): Potential at point P_(C2) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to a charge accumulation electrode segment 24B P_(C3): Potential at point P_(C3) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to a charge accumulation electrode segment 24C P_(D): Potential at point P_(D) in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to the transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) 25 FD: Potential at the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ V_(OA): Potential at the charge accumulation electrode 24 V_(OA-A): Potential at the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A V_(OA-B): Potential at the charge accumulation electrode segment 24B V_(OA-C): Potential at the charge accumulation electrode segment 24C V_(OT): Potential at the transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) 25 RST: Potential at the gate section 51 of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) V_(DD): Potential of the power supply VSL₁: Signal line (data output line) VSL₁ TR1 _(rst): Reset transistor TR1 _(rst) TR1 _(amp): Amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) TR1 _(sel): Selection transistor TR1 _(sel)

During a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode 21 and the potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24. Light having entered the photoelectric conversion layer 23A generates photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. Holes generated by the photoelectric conversion are sent from the second electrode 22 to the drive circuit via a wiring line V_(OU). Meanwhile, because the potential of the first electrode 21 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 22, i.e., because a positive potential is to be applied to the first electrode 21 and a negative potential is to be applied to the second electrode 22, V₃₁≥V₁₁ holds true, and preferably, V₃₁>V₁₁ holds true. This causes electrons generated by the photoelectric conversion to be attracted to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and to remain in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the protection layer 23B, and the photoelectric conversion layer 23A (hereinafter, these layers are collectively referred to as an “inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like”), opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24. That is, electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like. Because V₃₁>V₁₁ holds true, the electrons generated inside of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A would not move toward the first electrode 21. With the passage of time of photoelectric conversion, the potential in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 has a more negative value.

A reset operation is performed later in the charge accumulation period. This resets the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁, and the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ shifts to the potential V_(DD) of the power supply.

After completion of the reset operation, the electric charge is read out. That is, during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode 21 and the potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24. Here, V₃₂<V₁₂ holds true. This causes the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 to be read out to the first electrode 21, and further to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like is read out to the control section.

This completes the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer.

The operations of the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) and the selection transistor TR1 _(sel) after the electrons are read out to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ are the same as the operations of existing ones of these transistors. In addition, the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer of the second imaging element 11 and the third imaging element 12 are similar to the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer according to existing techniques. In addition, reset noise of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ is removable through a correlated double sampling (CDS, Correlated Double Sampling) process in a similar manner to the existing techniques.

As has been described, in Example 1, the charge accumulation electrode is provided that is disposed at a distance from the first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. Thus, when the photoelectric conversion layer is irradiated with light and photoelectric conversion occurs in the photoelectric conversion layer, a kind of capacitor is formed by the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer or the like, the insulating layer, and the charge accumulation electrode, making it possible to accumulate electric charge in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer or the like. For this reason, at the time of start of exposure, it is possible to completely deplete the charge accumulation section to thereby eliminate the electric charge. As a result, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon in which kTC noise becomes greater and random noise deteriorates to cause reduction in quality of the captured images. In addition, because it is possible to reset all of the pixels all at once, the so-called global shutter function is achievable.

FIG. 68 illustrates a conceptual diagram of the solid-state imaging device of Example 1. A solid-state imaging device 100 of Example 1 includes an imaging region 111 in which stacked imaging elements 101 are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and, as drive circuits (peripheral circuits) thereof, the vertical drive circuit 112, the column signal processing circuit 113, a horizontal drive circuit 114, an output circuit 115, a drive control circuit 116, and the like. Needless to say, these circuits may be configured of known circuits, or may be configured using other circuit configurations (e.g., various circuits used in existing CCD imaging devices or CMOS imaging devices). In FIG. 68, the representation of a reference numeral “101” for the stacked imaging elements 101 is made in only one row.

On the basis of a vertical synchronization signal, a horizontal synchronization signal, and a master clock, the drive control circuit 116 generates a clock signal and a control signal serving as a reference for operations of the vertical drive circuit 112, the column signal processing circuit 113, and the horizontal drive circuit 114. Then, the clock signal and the control signal thus generated are inputted to the vertical drive circuit 112, the column signal processing circuit 113, and the horizontal drive circuit 114.

The vertical drive circuit 112 includes, for example, a shift register, and selectively scans the stacked imaging elements 101 in the imaging region 111 sequentially in the vertical direction row by row. Then, a pixel signal (image signal) based on a current (signal) generated according to the amount of light reception at each stacked imaging element 101 is sent to the column signal processing circuit 113 via the signal line (data output line) 117 or VSL.

The column signal processing circuit 113 is disposed, for example, for each column of the stacked imaging elements 101, and performs signal processing, including noise removal and signal amplification, on the image signals outputted from one row of the stacked imaging elements 101 for each imaging element in accordance with a signal from a black reference pixel (although not illustrated, formed around the effective pixel region). At an output stage of the column signal processing circuit 113, a horizontal selection switch (not illustrated) is provided to be coupled between the output stage and a horizontal signal line 118.

The horizontal drive circuit 114 includes, for example, a shift register, and sequentially outputs horizontal scan pulses to sequentially select each one of the column signal processing circuits 113, thereby outputting a signal from each of the column signal processing circuits 113 to the horizontal signal line 118.

The output circuit 115 performs signal processing on the signals sequentially supplied from the respective column signal processing circuits 113 through the horizontal signal line 118, and outputs the processed signals.

FIG. 9 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1, and FIG. 10 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section. As illustrated, the other source/drain region 51B of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) may be grounded, instead of being coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

It is possible to produce the imaging element and stacked imaging element of Example 1 by the following method, for example. That is, an SOI substrate is prepared first. A first silicon layer is then formed on the surface of the SOI substrate on the basis of an epitaxial growth method, and the p⁺ layer 73 and the n-type semiconductor region 41 are formed on the first silicon layer. Next, a second silicon layer is formed on the first silicon layer on the basis of an epitaxial growth method, and the element separation region 71, the insulating material film 72, the p⁺ layer 42, the n-type semiconductor region 43, and the p⁺ layer 44 are formed on the second silicon layer. In addition, various transistors and the like included in the control section of the imaging element are formed on the second silicon layer, and the wiring layer 62, the interlayer insulating layer 76, and various wiring lines are further formed thereon. The interlayer insulating layer 76 and a support substrate (not illustrated) are thereafter bonded to each other. Thereafter, the SOI substrate is removed to expose the first silicon layer. The surface of the second silicon layer corresponds to the front surface 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70, and the surface of the first silicon layer corresponds to the back surface 70B of the semiconductor substrate 70. In addition, the first silicon layer and the second silicon layer are collectively expressed as the semiconductor substrate 70. Next, an opening for forming the contact hole section 61 is formed on the side of the back surface 70B of the semiconductor substrate 70, and the HfO₂ film 74, the insulating material film 75, and the contact hole section 61 are formed. Further, the pad sections 63 and 64, the interlayer insulating layer 81, the connection holes 65 and 66, the first electrode 21, the charge accumulation electrode 24, and the insulating layer 82 are formed. Next, the connection section 67 is opened, and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the protection layer 23B, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, the second electrode 22, the protection material layer 83, and the on-chip microlens 14 are formed. It is possible to obtain the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1 in the above-described manner.

In addition, although not illustrated, the insulating layer 82 may have a two-layer configuration including an insulating layer or lower layer and an insulating layer or upper layer. That is, it is sufficient that the insulating layer or lower layer is formed at least over the charge accumulation electrode 24 and in a region between the charge accumulation electrode 24 and the first electrode 21 (more specifically, the insulating layer or lower layer may be formed on the interlayer insulating layer 81 including the charge accumulation electrode 24), a planarization process is performed on the insulating layer or lower layer, and thereafter, the insulating layer or upper layer is formed over the insulating layer or lower layer and the charge accumulation electrode 24. This makes it possible to accomplish the planarization of the insulating layer 82 with reliability. It is then sufficient that the connection section 67 is opened in the insulating layer 82 obtained in this way.

Example 2

Example 2 is a modification of Example 1. FIG. 11 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element and a stacked imaging element of Example 2. The imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 2 are of the front illuminated type, and have a structure in which three imaging elements are stacked, the three imaging elements being: the green light imaging element of Example 1 of the first type (the first imaging element 10) having sensitivity to green light and including the green light photoelectric conversion layer of the first type for absorbing green light; the existing blue light imaging element of the second type (the second imaging element 11) having sensitivity to blue light and including the blue light photoelectric conversion layer of the second type for absorbing blue light; and the existing red light imaging element of the second type (the third imaging element 12) having sensitivity to red light and including the red light photoelectric conversion layer of the second type for absorbing red light. Here, the red light imaging element (the third imaging element 12) and the blue light imaging element (the second imaging element 11) are provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, and the second imaging element 11 is positioned closer to the light incident side than the third imaging element 12. In addition, the green light imaging element (the first imaging element 10) is provided above the blue light imaging element (the second imaging element 11).

As in Example 1, various transistors included in the control section are provided on side of the front surface 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70. These transistors may have configurations and structures substantially similar to those of the transistors described in Example 1. In addition, while the second imaging element 11 and the third imaging element 12 are provided in the semiconductor substrate 70, these imaging elements may also have configurations and structures substantially similar to those of the second imaging element 11 and the third imaging element 12 described in Example 1.

The interlayer insulating layer 81 is formed above the front surface 70A of the semiconductor substrate 70, and the first electrode 21, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the protection layer 23B, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, and the second electrode 22, and also the charge accumulation electrode 24, etc. are provided above the interlayer insulating layer 81, as in the imaging element of Example 1.

In this way, it is possible for the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 2 to have configurations and structures similar to the configurations and structures of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 1, except for being of the front illuminated type, and the detailed description thereof is thus omitted.

Example 3

Example 3 is a modification of Example 1 and Example 2.

FIG. 12 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an imaging element and a stacked imaging element of Example 3. The imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 3 are of the back illuminated type, and have a structure in which two imaging elements are stacked, the two imaging elements being the first imaging element 10 of Example 1 of the first type and the third imaging element 12 of the second type. In addition, FIG. 13 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 3. The modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 3 are of the front illuminated type, and has a structure in which two imaging elements are stacked, the two imaging elements being the first imaging element 10 of Example 1 of the first type and the third imaging element 12 of the second type. Here, the first imaging element 10 absorbs light in primary colors, and the third imaging element 12 absorbs light in complementary colors. Alternatively, the first imaging element 10 absorbs white light, and the third imaging element 12 absorbs infrared rays.

FIG. 14 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 3. The modification example of the imaging element of Example 3 is of the back illuminated type, and includes the first imaging element 10 of Example 1 of the first type. In addition, FIG. 15 is a schematic partial sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 3. The modification example of the imaging element of Example 3 is of the front illuminated type, and includes the first imaging element 10 of Example 1 of the first type. Here, the first imaging element 10 includes three kinds of imaging elements, i.e., an imaging element that absorbs red light, an imaging element that absorbs green light, and an imaging element that absorbs blue light. Further, a plurality of ones of these imaging elements is included in the solid-state imaging device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Examples of arrangement of the plurality of ones of these imaging elements include a Bayer arrangement. Color filter layers for performing blue, green, and red spectral separation are disposed on the light incident side of the imaging elements as necessary.

Instead of providing one imaging element of Example 1 of the first type, two may be provided in a stacked mode (i.e., a mode in which two photoelectric conversion sections are stacked, and control sections for the two photoelectric conversion sections are provided in the semiconductor substrate), or alternatively, three may be provided in a stacked mode (i.e., a mode in which three photoelectric conversion sections may be stacked, and control sections for the three photoelectric conversion sections are provided in the semiconductor substrate). The following table illustrates examples of the stacked structures of the imaging element of the first type and the imaging element of the second type.

First type Second type Back 1 2 illuminated Green Blue + Red type and front 1 1 illuminated Primary color Complementary color type 1 1 White Infrared 1 0 Blue, Green, or Red 2 2 Green + Infrared Blue + Red 2 1 Green + Blue Red 2 0 White + Infrared 3 2 Green + Blue + Red Blue-Green (Emerald) + Infrared 3 1 Green + Blue + Red Infrared 3 0 Blue + Green + Red

Example 4

Example 4 is a modification of Examples 1 to 3, and relates to an imaging element or the like including the transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element and a stacked imaging element of Example 4. FIGS. 17 and 18 are equivalent circuit diagrams of the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 4. FIG. 19 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode, and the charge accumulation electrode, and transistors included in the control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 4. FIGS. 20 and 21 schematically illustrate a state of potentials at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 4. FIG. 6B is an equivalent circuit diagram for describing each part of the imaging element of Example 4. In addition, FIG. 22 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode, and the charge accumulation electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section of the imaging element of Example 4. FIG. 23 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the transfer control electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section.

The imaging element and the stacked imaging element of Example 4 further include, between the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24, the transfer control electrode (charge transfer electrode) 25 disposed at a distance from the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24, and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C with the insulating layer 82 interposed therebetween. The transfer control electrode 25 is coupled to a pixel drive circuit included in the drive circuit, via a connection hole 68B, a pad section 68A, and a wiring line V_(OT) provided in the interlayer insulating layer 81. It is to be noted that in FIGS. 16, 25, 28, 37, 43, 46A, 46B, 47A, 47B, 66, and 67, various constituent elements of the imaging element positioned below the interlayer insulating layer 81 are collectively denoted by Reference numeral 13 for the sake of convenience in order to simplify the drawings.

In the following, description is given of an operation of the imaging element (the first imaging element 10) of Example 4 with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. It is to be noted that, in FIGS. 20 and 21, the values of a potential to be applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24 and a potential at point P_(D) are different.

During a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode 21, the potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and the potential V₅₁ is applied to the transfer control electrode 25. Light having entered the photoelectric conversion layer 23A generates photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. Holes generated by the photoelectric conversion are sent from the second electrode 22 to the drive circuit via the wiring line V_(OU). Meanwhile, the potential of the first electrode 21 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 22, i.e., for example, a positive potential is to be applied to the first electrode 21 and a negative potential is to be applied to the second electrode 22. Thus, V₃₁>V₅₁ (e.g., V₃₁>V₁₁>V₅₁, or V₁₁>V₃₁>V₅₁) holds true. This causes electrons generated by the photoelectric conversion to be attracted to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and to remain in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24. That is, electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like. Because V₃₁>V₅₁ holds true, it is possible to prevent, with reliability, the electrons generated inside of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A from moving toward the first electrode 21. With the passage of time of photoelectric conversion, the potential in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 has a more negative value.

A reset operation is performed later in the charge accumulation period. This resets the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁, and the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ shifts to the potential V_(DD) of the power supply.

After completion of the reset operation, the electric charge is read out. That is, during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode 21, the potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and the potential V₅₂ is applied to the transfer control electrode 25. Here, V₃₂≤V₅₂≤V₁₂ (preferably, V₃₂<V₅₂<V₁₂) holds true. This causes the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 to be read out to the first electrode 21, and further to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ with reliability. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like is read out to the control section.

This completes the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer.

The operations of the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) and the selection transistor TR1 _(sel) after the electrons are read out to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ are the same as the operations of existing ones of these transistors. In addition, for example, the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer of the second imaging element 11 and the third imaging element 12 are similar to the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer according to existing techniques.

FIG. 24 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in a modification example of the imaging element of Example 4. As illustrated, the other source/drain region 51B of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) may be grounded, instead of being coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

Example 5

Example 5 is a modification of Examples 1 to 4, and relates to an imaging element or the like including the charge drain electrode of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 5. FIG. 26 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the charge drain electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section including the charge accumulation electrode of the imaging element of Example 5. FIG. 27 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the charge drain electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section.

The imaging element of Example 5 further includes a charge drain electrode 26 coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C via a connection section 69 and disposed at a distance from the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24. Here, the charge drain electrode 26 is disposed to surround the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 (i.e., in a picture frame form). The charge drain electrode 26 is coupled to the pixel drive circuit included in the drive circuit. The inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B extend in the connection section 69. That is, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B extend in a second opening 85 provided in the insulating layer 82, and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C is coupled to the charge drain electrode 26. The charge drain electrode 26 is shared by (common to) a plurality of imaging elements. A side surface of the second opening 85 may be sloped to widen the second opening 85 upward. The charge drain electrode 26 is usable as, for example, a floating diffusion or overflow drain of the photoelectric conversion section.

In Example 5, during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode 21, the potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24, the potential V₆₁ is applied to the charge drain electrode 26, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like. Light having entered the photoelectric conversion layer 23A generates photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. Holes generated by the photoelectric conversion are sent from the second electrode 22 to the drive circuit via the wiring line V_(OU). Meanwhile, the potential of the first electrode 21 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 22, i.e., for example, a positive potential is to be applied to the first electrode 21 and a negative potential is to be applied to the second electrode 22. Thus, V₆₁>V₁₁ (e.g., V₃₁>V₆₁>V₁₁) holds true. This causes electrons generated by the photoelectric conversion to be attracted to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and to remain in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24. It is thus possible to prevent, with reliability, the electrons from moving toward the first electrode 21. However, electrons that are not sufficiently attracted by the charge accumulation electrode 24 or that have failed to be accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like (so-called overflowing electrons) are sent to the drive circuit via the charge drain electrode 26.

A reset operation is performed later in the charge accumulation period. This resets the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁, and the potential of the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ shifts to the potential V_(DD) of the power supply.

After completion of the reset operation, the electric charge is read out. That is, during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode 21, the potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24, and the potential V₆₂ is applied to the charge drain electrode 26. Here, V₆₂<V₁₂ (e.g., V₆₂<V₃₂<V₁₂) holds true. This causes the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 to be read out to the first electrode 21, and further to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ with reliability. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like is read out to the control section.

This completes the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer.

The operations of the amplification transistor TR1 _(amp) and the selection transistor TR1 _(sel) after the electrons are read out to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ are the same as the operations of existing ones of these transistors. In addition, for example, the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer of the second imaging element and the third imaging element are similar to the series of operations including the charge accumulation, the reset operation, and the charge transfer according to existing techniques.

In Example 5, because the so-called overflowing electrons are sent to the drive circuit via the charge drain electrode 26, it is possible to suppress leakage into the charge accumulation section of an adjacent pixel, and it is possible to suppress the occurrence of blooming. This makes it possible to improve the imaging performance of the imaging element.

Example 6

Example 6 is a modification of Examples 1 to 5, and relates to an imaging element or the like including a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 6. FIGS. 29 and 30 are equivalent circuit diagrams of the imaging element of Example 6. FIG. 31 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section including the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section of the imaging element of Example 6. FIGS. 32 and 33 schematically illustrate a state of potentials at each part during operation of the imaging element of Example 6. FIG. 6C is an equivalent circuit diagram for describing each part of the imaging element of Example 6. In addition, FIG. 34 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section including the charge accumulation electrode of the imaging element of Example 6. FIG. 35 is a schematic transparent perspective view of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, the second electrode, and the contact hole section.

In Example 6, the charge accumulation electrode 24 includes a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments 24A, 24B, and 24C. The number of the charge accumulation electrode segments only has to be two or more, and is set to “3” in Example 6. In addition, in the imaging element of Example 6, the potential of the first electrode 21 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 22, i.e., for example, a positive potential is to be applied to the first electrode 21 and a negative potential is to be applied to the second electrode 22. Thus, during the charge transfer period, a potential to be applied to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A positioned closest to the first electrode 21 is higher than a potential to be applied to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24C positioned farthest from the first electrode 21. By imparting a potential gradient to the charge accumulation electrode 24 in such a manner, the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 are read out to the first electrode 21, and further to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ with higher reliability. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like is read out to the control section.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 32, during the charge transfer period, the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like are read out to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ all at once by satisfying: the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24C<the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24B<the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A. Meanwhile, in the example illustrated in FIG. 33, during the charge transfer period, the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24C, the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24B, and the potential of the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A are changed gradually (i.e., changed stepwise or in a slope-like manner). The electrons remaining in a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24C are thereby moved to a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24B, and subsequently, the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24B are moved to a region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A. Subsequently, the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode segment 24A are read out to the first floating diffusion layer FD₁ with reliability.

FIG. 36 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in a modification example of the imaging element of Example 6. As illustrated, the other source/drain region 51B of the reset transistor TR1 _(rst) may be grounded, instead of being coupled to the power supply V_(DD).

Example 7

Example 7 is a modification of Examples 1 to 6, and relates to an imaging element or the like including the charge movement control electrode of the present disclosure, specifically, an imaging element or the like including the lower charge movement control electrode (lower side/charge movement control electrode) of the present disclosure. FIG. 37 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a portion of an imaging element of Example 7. FIG. 38 is a schematic layout diagram of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode and the like, and the transistors included in the control section that are included in the imaging element of Example 7. FIGS. 39 and 40 are schematic layout diagrams of the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the lower charge movement control electrode included in the photoelectric conversion section including the charge accumulation electrode of the imaging element of Example 7. It is to be noted that in FIGS. 37, 43, 46A, 46B, 47A, and 47B, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, the protection layer 23B, and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C are collectively represented by a photoelectric conversion stack 23.

In the imaging element of Example 7, a lower charge movement control electrode 27 is formed in a region opposed to a region (region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer) 23 _(A) of the photoelectric conversion stack 23 positioned between adjacent imaging elements, with the insulating layer 82 interposed therebetween. In other words, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is formed below a portion 82 _(A) of the insulating layer 82 (region-A of the insulating layer 82) in a region (region-a) sandwiched between a charge accumulation electrode 24 and a charge accumulation electrode 24 that are included in respective adjacent imaging elements. The lower charge movement control electrode 27 is provided at a distance from the charge accumulation electrodes 24. Or in other words, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 surrounds the charge accumulation electrodes 24 and is provided at a distance from the charge accumulation electrodes 24, and the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is disposed to be opposed to the region-A (23 _(A)) of the photoelectric conversion layer with the insulating layer 82 interposed therebetween. The lower charge movement control electrode 27 is shared by the imaging elements. In addition, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is also coupled to the drive circuit. Specifically, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is coupled to the vertical drive circuit 112 included in the drive circuit, via a connection hole 27A, a pad section 27B, and a wiring line V_(OB) provided in the interlayer insulating layer 81. The lower charge movement control electrode 27 may be formed at the same level as the first electrode 21 or the charge accumulation electrode 24, or may be formed at a different level (specifically, a level below the first electrode 21 or the charge accumulation electrode 24). In the former case, it is possible to shorten the distance between the charge movement control electrode 27 and the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, and this makes it easy to control the potential. In contrast, in the latter case, it is possible to shorten the distance between the charge movement control electrode 27 and the charge accumulation electrode 24, and this is advantageous in achieving miniaturization.

In the imaging element of Example 7, when light enters the photoelectric conversion layer 23A to generate photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, the absolute value of the potential applied to the portion of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 is larger than the absolute value of the potential applied to the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, and therefore, electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion is strongly attracted to the portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24. As a result, it is possible to hinder the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion from flowing into an adjacent imaging element. Therefore, no quality degradation occurs in a captured picture (image). In addition, owing to the lower charge movement control electrode 27 formed in a region opposed to the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A with the insulating layer interposed therebetween, it is possible to control an electric field or potential in the region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A positioned above the lower charge movement control electrode 27. As a result, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 makes it possible to hinder the electric charge generated by the photoelectric conversion from flowing into the adjacent imaging element. Therefore, no quality degradation occurs in a captured picture (image).

In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 39 and 40, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is formed below the portion 82 _(A) of the insulating layer 82 in the region (region-a) sandwiched between the charge accumulation electrode 24 and the charge accumulation electrode 24. Meanwhile, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 41, 42A and 42B, the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is formed below a portion of the insulating layer 82 in a region surrounded by four charge accumulation electrodes 24. It is to be noted that the examples illustrated in FIGS. 41, 42A, and 42B are also the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations. In four imaging elements, one common first electrode 21 is provided to correspond to the four charge accumulation electrodes 24.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 42B, in the four imaging elements, the one common first electrode 21 is provided to correspond to the four charge accumulation electrodes 24, and the lower charge movement control electrode 27 is formed below a portion of the insulating layer 82 in the region surrounded by the four charge accumulation electrodes 24. Further, the charge drain electrode 26 is formed below the portion of the insulating layer 82 in the region surrounded by the four charge accumulation electrodes 24. As described above, the charge drain electrode 26 is usable as a floating diffusion or overflow drain of the photoelectric conversion section, for example.

Example 8

Example 8 is a modification of Examples 1 to 7, and relates to an imaging element or the like including the upper charge movement control electrode (upper side/charge movement control electrode) of the present disclosure. FIG. 43 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of an imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side). FIGS. 44 and 45 are partial schematic plan views of the imaging element of Example 8 (2×2 imaging elements arranged side by side). In the imaging element of Example 8, an upper charge movement control electrode 28 is formed, instead of the second electrode 22, on a region 23 _(A) of the photoelectric conversion stack 23 positioned between adjacent imaging elements. The upper charge movement control electrode 28 is provided at a distance from the second electrode 22. In other words, the second electrode 22 is provided for each imaging element, and the upper charge movement control electrode 28 surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode 22 and is provided, at a distance from the second electrode 22, on the region-A of the photoelectric conversion stack 23. The upper charge movement control electrode 28 is formed at the same level as the second electrode 22.

It is to be noted that, in the example illustrated in FIG. 44, in one imaging element, one charge accumulation electrode 24 is provided to correspond to one first electrode 21. Meanwhile, in a modification example illustrated in FIG. 45, in two imaging elements, one common first electrode 21 is provided to correspond to the two charge accumulation electrodes 24. The partial schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side) illustrated in FIG. 43 corresponds to FIG. 45.

In addition, FIG. 46A is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side). As illustrated, the second electrode 22 may be divided into a plurality of ones, and different potentials may be applied to the divided individual second electrodes 22. Further, as illustrated in FIG. 46B, the upper charge movement control electrode 28 may be provided between the second electrode 22 and the second electrode 22 thus divided.

In Example 8, the second electrode 22 positioned on the light incident side is shared by the imaging elements arranged in the lateral direction on the sheet of FIG. 44, and shared by a pair of imaging elements arranged in the up-and-down direction on the sheet of FIG. 44. In addition, the upper charge movement control electrode 28 is also shared by the imaging elements arranged in the lateral direction on the sheet of FIG. 44, and shared by a pair of imaging elements arranged in the up-and-down direction on the sheet of FIG. 44. The second electrode 22 and the upper charge movement control electrode 28 are obtainable by forming a material layer to configure the second electrode 22 and the upper charge movement control electrode 28 on the photoelectric conversion stack 23 and thereafter patterning the material layer. The second electrode 22 and the upper charge movement control electrode 28 are coupled to respective wiring lines (not illustrated) independently of each other, and these wiring lines are coupled to the drive circuit. The wiring line coupled to the second electrode 22 is shared by a plurality of imaging elements. The wiring line coupled to the upper charge movement control electrode 28 is also shared by a plurality of imaging elements.

In the imaging element of Example 8, during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₂₁ is applied to the second electrode 22, the potential V₄₁ is applied to the upper charge movement control electrode 28, and electric charge is accumulated in the photoelectric conversion stack 23. During a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₂₂ is applied to the second electrode 22, the potential V₄₂ is applied to the upper charge movement control electrode 28, and the electric charge accumulated in the photoelectric conversion stack 23 is read out to the control section via the first electrode 21. Here, the potential of the first electrode 21 is higher than the potential of the second electrode 22, and therefore, the following expressions hold true:

V ₂₁ ≥V ₄₁ and V ₂₂ ≥V ₄₂.

As described above, in the imaging element of Example 8, the charge movement control electrode is formed, instead of the second electrode, on the region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements. The charge movement control electrode thus makes it possible to hinder the electric charge generated by photoelectric conversion from flowing into the adjacent imaging element, and therefore no quality degradation occurs in a captured picture (image).

FIG. 47A is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side), and FIGS. 48A and 48B are partial schematic plan views thereof. In this modification example, the second electrode 22 is provided for each imaging element, the upper charge movement control electrode 28 surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode 22 and is provided at a distance from the second electrode 22, and a portion of the charge accumulation electrode 24 is present below the upper charge movement control electrode 28. The second electrode 22 is provided, above the charge accumulation electrode 24, in a size smaller than that of the charge accumulation electrode 24.

FIG. 47B is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of a modification example of the imaging element of Example 8 (two imaging elements arranged side by side), and FIGS. 49A and 49B are partial schematic plan views thereof. In this modification example, the second electrode 22 is provided for each imaging element, the upper charge movement control electrode 28 surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode 22 and is provided at a distance from the second electrode 22, a portion of the charge accumulation electrode 24 is present below the upper charge movement control electrode 28, and furthermore, the lower charge movement control electrode (lower side/charge movement control electrode) 27 is provided below the upper charge movement control electrode (upper side/charge movement control electrode) 28. The size of the second electrode 22 is smaller than that in the modification example illustrated in FIG. 47A. That is, the region of the second electrode 22 opposed to the upper charge movement control electrode 28 is positioned closer to the first electrode 21 than the region of the second electrode 22 opposed to the upper charge movement control electrode 28 in the modification example illustrated in FIG. 47A. The charge accumulation electrode 24 is surrounded by the lower charge movement control electrode 27.

Example 9

Example 9 relates to the solid-state imaging devices of the first and second configurations.

A solid-state imaging device of Example 9 includes

-   -   a photoelectric conversion section including the first electrode         21, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C, the         protection layer 23B, the photoelectric conversion layer 23A,         and the second electrode 22 that are stacked, in which     -   the photoelectric conversion section further includes a         plurality of imaging elements each including the charge         accumulation electrode 24 disposed at a distance from the first         electrode 21 and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layer 23C with the insulating layer 82         interposed therebetween,     -   the plurality of imaging elements constitutes an imaging element         block, and     -   the first electrode 21 is shared by the plurality of imaging         elements constituting the imaging element block.

Alternatively, the solid-state imaging element of Example 9 includes a plurality of imaging elements described in Examples 1 to 8.

In Example 9, one floating diffusion layer is provided for the plurality of imaging elements. Then, appropriately controlling the timing of the charge transfer period makes it possible for the plurality of imaging elements to share the one floating diffusion layer. Then, in this case, it is possible for the plurality of imaging elements to share one contact hole section.

It is to be noted that the solid-state imaging device of Example 9 has a configuration and a structure substantially similar to those of the solid-state imaging devices described in Examples 1 to 8, except that the first electrode 21 is shared by the plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block.

The states of arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 in the solid-state imaging device of Example 9 are schematically illustrated in FIG. 50 (Example 9), FIG. 51 (a first modification example of Example 9), FIG. 52 (a second modification example of Example 9), FIG. 53 (a third modification example of Example 9), and FIG. 54 (a fourth modification example of Example 9). FIGS. 50, 51, 54, and 55 illustrate sixteen imaging elements, and FIGS. 52 and 53 illustrate twelve imaging elements. Then, the imaging element block includes two imaging elements. The imaging element block is indicated by enclosing with dotted lines. Subscripts attached to the first electrodes 21 and the charge accumulation electrodes 24 are for distinguishing individual first electrodes 21 and individual charge accumulation electrodes 24. The same applies also to the following description. In addition, one on-chip microlens (not illustrated in FIGS. 50 to 57) is disposed above one imaging element. Then, in one imaging element block, two charge accumulation electrodes 24 are disposed with the first electrode 21 therebetween (see FIGS. 50 and 51). Alternatively, one first electrode 21 is disposed to be opposed to two charge accumulation electrodes 24 arranged side by side (see FIGS. 54 and 55). That is, the first electrode is disposed to be adjacent to the charge accumulation electrode of each imaging element. Alternatively, the first electrode is disposed to be adjacent to some of the charge accumulation electrodes of the plurality of imaging elements and not disposed to be adjacent to the rest of the charge accumulation electrodes of the plurality of imaging elements (see FIGS. 52 and 53), in which case the movement of electric charge from the rest of the plurality of imaging elements to the first electrode is a movement via some of the plurality of imaging elements. To ensure movement of electric charge from each imaging element to the first electrode, it is preferred that a distance A between a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element and a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element be longer than a distance B between the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode in an imaging element adjacent to the first electrode. In addition, it is preferred that the value of the distance A be larger for the imaging element positioned farther from the first electrode. In addition, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 51, 53, and 55, the charge movement control electrode 27 is disposed between a plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block. By disposing the charge movement control electrode 27, it is possible to suppress, with reliability, the movement of electric charge in the imaging element blocks positioned with the charge movement control electrode 27 therebetween. It is to be noted that it is sufficient that V₃₁>V₁₇ holds true, where V₁₇ denotes a potential to be applied to the charge movement control electrode 27.

The charge movement control electrode 27 may be formed at the same level as the first electrode 21 or the charge accumulation electrode 24, or may be formed at a different level (specifically, a level below the first electrode 21 or the charge accumulation electrode 24). In the former case, it is possible to shorten the distance between the charge movement control electrode 27 and the photoelectric conversion layer, and this makes it easy to control the potential. In contrast, in the latter case, it is possible to shorten the distance between the charge movement control electrode 27 and the charge accumulation electrode 24, and this is advantageous in achieving miniaturization.

In the following, description is given of an operation of the imaging element block including a first electrode 21 ₂ and two charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₂₁ and 24 ₂₂.

During a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode 21 ₂ and the potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₂₁ and 24 ₂₂. Light having entered the photoelectric conversion layer 23A generates photoelectric conversion in the photoelectric conversion layer 23A. Holes generated by the photoelectric conversion are sent from the second electrode 22 to the drive circuit via the wiring line V_(OU). Meanwhile, the potential V₁₁ of the first electrode 21 ₂ is higher than the potential V₂₁ of the second electrode 22, i.e., for example, a positive potential is to be applied to the first electrode 21 ₂ and a negative potential is to be applied to the second electrode 22. Thus, V₃₁≥V₁₁ holds true, and preferably, V₃₁>V₁₁ holds true. This causes electrons generated by the photoelectric conversion to be attracted to the charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₂₁ and 24 ₂₂, and to remain in regions of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₂₁ and 24 ₂₂. That is, electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like. Because V₃₁≥V₁₁ holds true, the electrons generated inside of the photoelectric conversion layer 23A would not move toward the first electrode 21 ₂. With the passage of time of photoelectric conversion, the potentials in regions of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₂₁ and 24 ₂₂ have more negative values.

A reset operation is performed later in the charge accumulation period. This resets the potential of the first floating diffusion layer, and the potential of the first floating diffusion layer shifts to the potential V_(DD) of the power supply.

After completion of the reset operation, the electric charge is read out. That is, during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, the potential V₂₁ is applied to the first electrode 21 ₂, a potential V_(32−A) is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁, and a potential V_(32−B) is applied to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂. Here, V_(32−A)<V₂₁<V_(32−B) holds true. This causes the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ to be read out to the first electrode 21 ₂, and further to the first floating diffusion layer. That is, the electric charge accumulated in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ is read out to the control section. Once the reading has been completed, V_(32−B)≤V_(32−A)<V₂₁ holds true. It is to be noted that, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 54 and 55, V_(32−B)<V₂₁<V_(32−A) may hold true. This causes the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ to be read out to the first electrode 21 ₂, and further to the first floating diffusion layer. In addition, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 52 and 53, the electrons remaining in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ may be read out to the first floating diffusion layer via a first electrode 213 to which the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ is adjacent. In this way, the electric charge accumulated in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ is read out to the control section. It is to be noted that, once the reading of the electric charge accumulated in the region of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C or the like opposed to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ to the control section has been completed, the potential of the first floating diffusion layer may be reset.

FIG. 58A illustrates an example of reading and driving in the imaging element block of Example 9.

[Step-A]

Inputting auto zero signal to comparator

[Step-B]

Reset operation of one shared floating diffusion layer

[Step-C]

P-phase reading in imaging element corresponding to charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ and movement of electric charge to first electrode 21 ₂

[Step-D]

D-phase reading in imaging element corresponding to charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ and movement of electric charge to first electrode 21 ₂

[Step-E]

Reset operation of one shared floating diffusion layer

[Step-F]

Inputting auto zero signal to comparator

[Step-G]

P-phase reading in imaging element corresponding to charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ and movement of electric charge to first electrode 21 ₂

[Step-H]

D-phase reading in imaging element corresponding to charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ and movement of electric charge to first electrode 21 ₂

In accordance with the above flow, signals from two imaging elements corresponding to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁ and the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂ are read out. On the basis of a correlated double sampling (CDS) process, a difference between the P-phase reading in [Step-C] and the D-phase reading in [Step-D] is a signal from the imaging element corresponding to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁, and a difference between the P-phase reading in [Step-G] and the D-phase reading in [Step-H] is a signal from the imaging element corresponding to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂.

It is to be noted that the operation of [Step-E] may be omitted (see FIG. 58B). In addition, the operation of [Step-F] may be omitted, and in this case, it is possible to further omit [Step-G] (see FIG. 58C); then, a difference between the P-phase reading in [Step-C] and the D-phase reading in [Step-D] is a signal from the imaging element corresponding to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₁, and a difference between the D-phase reading in [Step-D] and the D-phase reading in [Step-H] is a signal from the imaging element corresponding to the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₂₂.

The states of arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 in modification examples are schematically illustrated in FIG. 56 (a sixth modification example of Example 9) and FIG. 57 (a seventh modification example of Example 9). In these modification examples, four imaging elements constitute an imaging element block. Operations of these solid-state imaging devices may be substantially similar to the operations of the solid-state imaging devices illustrated in FIGS. 50 to 55.

In the solid-state imaging device of Example 9, the first electrode is shared by a plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block. It is thus possible to simplify and miniaturize the configuration and structure in the pixel region in which a plurality of imaging elements is arranged. It is to be noted that a plurality of imaging elements provided for one floating diffusion layer may include a plurality of imaging elements of the first type, or may include at least one imaging element of the first type and one or two or more imaging elements of the second type.

Example 10

Example 10 is a modification of Example 9. The states of arrangement of the first electrode 21 and the charge accumulation electrode 24 thereof are schematically illustrated in FIGS. 59, 60, 61, and 62. In the solid-state imaging device of Example 10, two imaging elements constitute an imaging element block. In addition, one on-chip microlens 14 is disposed above the imaging element block. It is to be noted that, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 60 and 62, the charge movement control electrode 27 is disposed between the plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block.

For example, photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₁₁, 24 ₂₁, 24 ₃₁, and 24 ₄₁ constituting imaging element blocks have high sensitivity to incident light diagonally from the upper right in the drawing. In addition, photoelectric conversion layers corresponding to charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₁₂, 24 ₂₂, 24 ₃₂, and 24 ₄₂ constituting imaging element blocks have high sensitivity to incident light diagonally from the upper left in the drawing. Therefore, for example, combining an imaging element including the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₁ and an imaging element including the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₂ makes it possible to acquire an image plane phase difference signal. In addition, by adding up a signal from the imaging element including the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₁ and a signal from the imaging element including the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₂, it is possible to configure one imaging element by a combination with these imaging elements. In the example illustrated in FIG. 59, a first electrode 21 ₁ is disposed between the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₁ and the charge accumulation electrode 24 ₁₂; however, by disposing one first electrode 21 ₁ to be opposed to two charge accumulation electrodes 24 ₁₁ and 24 ₁₂ arranged side by side as in the example illustrated in FIG. 61, it is possible to achieve further improvement in sensitivity.

While the description has been given above of the present disclosure on the basis of preferred examples, the present disclosure is not limited to these examples. The structures and configurations, manufacturing conditions, manufacturing methods, and materials used of the imaging elements, the stacked imaging elements, and the solid-state imaging devices described in the examples are merely illustrative, and may be modified as appropriate. The imaging elements of the examples may be combined as appropriate. The configuration and structure of the imaging element of the present disclosure are applicable to light emitting elements, e.g., organic EL elements, or channel formation regions of thin-film transistors.

Depending on the case, the floating diffusion layers FD₁, FD₂, FD₃, 51C, 45C, and 46C may also be shared, as has been described.

In addition, FIG. 63 illustrates a modification example of the imaging element and the stacked imaging described in Example 1. As illustrated, for example, a configuration may be adopted in which light enters from side of the second electrode 22 and a light-blocking layer 15 is formed on the light incident side near the second electrode 22. It is to be noted that various wiring lines provided closer to the light incident side than the photoelectric conversion layer may also serve as a light-blocking layer.

It is to be noted that, in the example illustrated in FIG. 63, the light-blocking layer 15 is formed above the second electrode 22, i.e., the light-blocking layer 15 is formed on the light incident side near the second electrode 22 and above the first electrode 21; however, as illustrated in FIG. 64, the light-blocking layer 15 may be disposed on a surface of the second electrode 22 on the light incident side. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 65, the second electrode 22 may be provided with the light-blocking layer 15, depending on the case.

Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which light enters from the side of the second electrode 22 and no light enters the first electrode 21. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 63, the light-blocking layer 15 is formed on the light incident side near the second electrode 22 and above the first electrode 21. Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which, as illustrated in FIG. 67, the on-chip microlens 14 is provided above the charge accumulation electrode 24 and the second electrode 22, and light entering the on-chip microlens 14 is condensed onto the charge accumulation electrode 24 and does not reach the first electrode 21. It is to be noted that, as described in Example 4, in the case where the transfer control electrode 25 is provided, a mode may be adopted in which light enters neither of the first electrode 21 and the transfer control electrode 25. Specifically, a structure may be adopted in which, as illustrated in FIG. 66, the light-blocking layer 15 is formed above the first electrode 21 and the transfer control electrode 25. Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which the light entering the on-chip microlens 14 does not reach the first electrode 21, or reaches neither of the first electrode 21 and the transfer control electrode 25.

By employing these configurations and structures, or by providing the light-blocking layer 15 to allow light to enter only a portion of the photoelectric conversion section positioned above the charge accumulation electrode 24, or by designing the on-chip microlens 14, the portion of the photoelectric conversion section positioned above the first electrode 21 (or above the first electrode 21 and the transfer control electrode 25) becomes unable to contribute to photoelectric conversion, and it is thus possible to reset all the pixels all at once with higher reliability, and to achieve the global shutter function more easily. Thus, in a method of driving a solid-state imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements having these configurations and structures, the following steps are repeated:

-   -   draining, in all of the imaging elements, electric charge in the         first electrodes 21 out of the system all at once while         accumulating electric charge in the inorganic oxide         semiconductor material layers 23C or the like, and thereafter         transferring, in all of the imaging elements, the electric         charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material         layers 23C or the like to the first electrodes 21 all at once,         and after completion of the transfer, reading out the electric         charge transferred to the first electrodes 21 in the respective         imaging elements.

In such a method of driving the solid-state imaging device, each imaging element has a structure in which light having entered from the side of the second electrode does not enter the first electrode and, in all of the imaging elements, the electric charge in the first electrodes is drained out of the system all at once while accumulating electric charge in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers or the like. This makes it possible to perform resetting of the first electrodes in all of the imaging elements simultaneously with reliability. Thereafter, in all of the imaging elements, the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers or the like is transferred all at once to the first electrodes, and after completion of the transfer, the electric charge transferred to the first electrodes is read out in the imaging elements sequentially. It is thus possible to easily achieve the so-called global shutter function.

In a case where one inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and one protection layer 23B shared by a plurality of imaging elements are formed, it is desirable that end parts of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B be covered with at least the photoelectric conversion layer 23A, from the viewpoint of protection of the end parts of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B. For the structure of the imaging element in such a case, a structure as illustrated at the right end of the schematic cross-sectional view of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C and the protection layer 23B illustrated in FIG. 1 is sufficient.

In addition, as a modification example of Example 4, as illustrated in FIG. 67, a plurality of transfer control electrodes may be provided from a position closest to the first electrode 21 toward the charge accumulation electrode 24. It is to be noted that FIG. 67 illustrates an example in which two transfer control electrodes 25A and 25B are provided. Then, a structure may be adopted in which the on-chip microlens 14 is provided above the charge accumulation electrode 24 and the second electrode 22, so that light entering the on-chip microlens 14 is condensed onto the charge accumulation electrode 24 and reaches none of the first electrode 21 and the transfer control electrodes 25A and 25B.

The first electrode 21 may be configured to extend in the opening 85 provided in the insulating layer 82 and to be coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer 23C.

In addition, in Examples, description has been given with reference to, as an example, a case of application to a CMOS type solid-state imaging device in which unit pixels are arranged in matrix for sensing signal charge responsive to the amount of incident light as a physical quantity; however, the application to the CMOS type solid-state imaging device is not limitative, and application to a CCD type solid-state imaging device is also possible. In the latter case, the signal charge is transferred in the vertical direction by a vertical transfer register of a CCD type structure, transferred in the horizontal direction by a horizontal transfer register, and then amplified to thereby cause a pixel signal (image signal) to be outputted. In addition, possible applications are not limited to column-system solid-state imaging devices in general in which pixels are formed in a two-dimensional matrix pattern and a column signal processing circuit is disposed for each pixel column. Further, depending on the case, the selection transistor may be omitted.

Further, the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of the present disclosure are applicable not only to a solid-state imaging device that senses the distribution of incident amount of visible light to capture an image of the distribution, but also to a solid-state imaging device that captures an image of the distribution of incident amount of infrared rays, X-rays, particles, or the like. In addition, in a broad sense, the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of the present disclosure are generally applicable to a solid-state imaging device (physical quantity distribution sensing device) that senses the distribution of other physical quantities, including pressure and capacitance, to capture an image of the distribution, such as a fingerprint detection sensor.

Further, possible applications are not limited to a solid-state imaging device that sequentially scans unit pixels in an imaging region row by row and reads out pixel signals from the unit pixels. Application to an X-Y address type solid-state imaging device is also possible that selects any pixel on a per-pixel basis and reads out a pixel signal from the selected pixel on a per-pixel basis. The solid-state imaging device may be formed in a one-chip form or may be in a modular form with an imaging function in which the imaging region and the drive circuit or the optical system are packaged together.

In addition, possible applications are not limited to a solid-state imaging device, and application to an imaging device is also possible. Here, the imaging device refers to an electronic apparatus having an imaging function, examples of which include camera systems such as a digital still camera or a video camera, mobile phones, etc. In some cases, the imaging device may also be an imaging device in a modular form to be mounted on an electronic apparatus, i.e., a camera module.

FIG. 69 illustrates, as a conceptual diagram, an example of using a solid-state imaging device 201 including the imaging element and the stacked imaging element of the present disclosure in an electronic apparatus (camera) 200. The electronic apparatus 200 includes the solid-state imaging device 201, an optical lens 210, a shutter device 211, a drive circuit 212, and a signal processing circuit 213. The optical lens 210 focuses image light (incident light) from a subject to form an image on an imaging plane of the solid-state imaging device 201. This causes signal charge to be accumulated in the solid-state imaging device 201 for a predetermined period of time. The shutter device 211 controls a period during which the solid-state imaging device 201 is to be irradiated with light and a period during which the light is to be blocked. The drive circuit 212 supplies drive signals for controlling a transfer operation, etc. of the solid-state imaging device 201 and a shutter operation of the shutter device 211. Signal transfer in the solid-state imaging device 201 is performed in accordance with the drive signals (timing signals) supplied from the drive circuit 212. The signal processing circuit 213 performs various kinds of signal processing. An image signal having undergone the signal processing is stored in a storage medium such as a memory, or is outputted to a monitor. In such an electronic apparatus 200, the solid-state imaging device 201 is able to achieve miniaturization of pixel size and improvement in transfer efficiency, thus making it possible to provide the electronic apparatus 200 with improved pixel characteristics. Examples of the electronic apparatus 200 to which the solid-state imaging device 201 is applicable are not limited to a camera, but includes a digital still camera, a camera module for a mobile apparatus such as a mobile phone, and other imaging devices.

The technology according to the present disclosure (the present technology) is applicable to various products. For example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be implemented as a device to be mounted on any type of mobile body such as an automobile, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a personal mobility, an airplane, a drone, a vessel, or a robot.

FIG. 73 is a block diagram depicting an example of schematic configuration of a vehicle control system as an example of a mobile body control system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be applied.

The vehicle control system 12000 includes a plurality of electronic control units connected to each other via a communication network 12001. In the example depicted in FIG. 73, the vehicle control system 12000 includes a driving system control unit 12010, a body system control unit 12020, an outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030, an in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040, and an integrated control unit 12050. In addition, a microcomputer 12051, a sound/image output section 12052, and a vehicle-mounted network interface (I/F) 12053 are illustrated as a functional configuration of the integrated control unit 12050.

The driving system control unit 12010 controls the operation of devices related to the driving system of the vehicle in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the driving system control unit 12010 functions as a control device for a driving force generating device for generating the driving force of the vehicle, such as an internal combustion engine, a driving motor, or the like, a driving force transmitting mechanism for transmitting the driving force to wheels, a steering mechanism for adjusting the steering angle of the vehicle, a braking device for generating the braking force of the vehicle, and the like.

The body system control unit 12020 controls the operation of various kinds of devices provided to a vehicle body in accordance with various kinds of programs. For example, the body system control unit 12020 functions as a control device for a keyless entry system, a smart key system, a power window device, or various kinds of lamps such as a headlamp, a backup lamp, a brake lamp, a turn signal, a fog lamp, or the like. In this case, radio waves transmitted from a mobile device as an alternative to a key or signals of various kinds of switches can be input to the body system control unit 12020. The body system control unit 12020 receives these input radio waves or signals, and controls a door lock device, the power window device, the lamps, or the like of the vehicle.

The outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 detects information about the outside of the vehicle including the vehicle control system 12000. For example, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 is connected with an imaging section 12031. The outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 makes the imaging section 12031 image an image of the outside of the vehicle, and receives the imaged image. On the basis of the received image, the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 may perform processing of detecting an object such as a human, a vehicle, an obstacle, a sign, a character on a road surface, or the like, or processing of detecting a distance thereto.

The imaging section 12031 is an optical sensor that receives light, and which outputs an electric signal corresponding to a received light amount of the light. The imaging section 12031 can output the electric signal as an image, or can output the electric signal as information about a measured distance. In addition, the light received by the imaging section 12031 may be visible light, or may be invisible light such as infrared rays or the like.

The in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 detects information about the inside of the vehicle. The in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 is, for example, connected with a driver state detecting section 12041 that detects the state of a driver. The driver state detecting section 12041, for example, includes a camera that images the driver. On the basis of detection information input from the driver state detecting section 12041, the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040 may calculate a degree of fatigue of the driver or a degree of concentration of the driver, or may determine whether the driver is dozing.

The microcomputer 12051 can calculate a control target value for the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, or the braking device on the basis of the information about the inside or outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040, and output a control command to the driving system control unit 12010. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended to implement functions of an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) which functions include collision avoidance or shock mitigation for the vehicle, following driving based on a following distance, vehicle speed maintaining driving, a warning of collision of the vehicle, a warning of deviation of the vehicle from a lane, or the like.

In addition, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving, which makes the vehicle to travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver, or the like, by controlling the driving force generating device, the steering mechanism, the braking device, or the like on the basis of the information about the outside or inside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030 or the in-vehicle information detecting unit 12040.

In addition, the microcomputer 12051 can output a control command to the body system control unit 12020 on the basis of the information about the outside of the vehicle which information is obtained by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030. For example, the microcomputer 12051 can perform cooperative control intended to prevent a glare by controlling the headlamp so as to change from a high beam to a low beam, for example, in accordance with the position of a preceding vehicle or an oncoming vehicle detected by the outside-vehicle information detecting unit 12030.

The sound/image output section 12052 transmits an output signal of at least one of a sound and an image to an output device capable of visually or auditorily notifying information to an occupant of the vehicle or the outside of the vehicle. In the example of FIG. 73, an audio speaker 12061, a display section 12062, and an instrument panel 12063 are illustrated as the output device. The display section 12062 may, for example, include at least one of an on-board display and a head-up display.

FIG. 74 is a diagram depicting an example of the installation position of the imaging section 12031.

In FIG. 74, the imaging section 12031 includes imaging sections 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105.

The imaging sections 12101, 12102, 12103, 12104, and 12105 are, for example, disposed at positions on a front nose, sideview mirrors, a rear bumper, and a back door of the vehicle 12100 as well as a position on an upper portion of a windshield within the interior of the vehicle. The imaging section 12101 provided to the front nose and the imaging section 12105 provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle obtain mainly an image of the front of the vehicle 12100. The imaging sections 12102 and 12103 provided to the sideview mirrors obtain mainly an image of the sides of the vehicle 12100. The imaging section 12104 provided to the rear bumper or the back door obtains mainly an image of the rear of the vehicle 12100. The imaging section 12105 provided to the upper portion of the windshield within the interior of the vehicle is used mainly to detect a preceding vehicle, a pedestrian, an obstacle, a signal, a traffic sign, a lane, or the like.

Incidentally, FIG. 74 depicts an example of photographing ranges of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104. An imaging range 12111 represents the imaging range of the imaging section 12101 provided to the front nose. Imaging ranges 12112 and 12113 respectively represent the imaging ranges of the imaging sections 12102 and 12103 provided to the sideview mirrors. An imaging range 12114 represents the imaging range of the imaging section 12104 provided to the rear bumper or the back door. A bird's-eye image of the vehicle 12100 as viewed from above is obtained by superimposing image data imaged by the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, for example.

At least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may have a function of obtaining distance information. For example, at least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may be a stereo camera constituted of a plurality of imaging elements, or may be an imaging element having pixels for phase difference detection.

For example, the microcomputer 12051 can determine a distance to each three-dimensional object within the imaging ranges 12111 to 12114 and a temporal change in the distance (relative speed with respect to the vehicle 12100) on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, and thereby extract, as a preceding vehicle, a nearest three-dimensional object in particular that is present on a traveling path of the vehicle 12100 and which travels in substantially the same direction as the vehicle 12100 at a predetermined speed (for example, equal to or more than 0 km/hour). Further, the microcomputer 12051 can set a following distance to be maintained in front of a preceding vehicle in advance, and perform automatic brake control (including following stop control), automatic acceleration control (including following start control), or the like. It is thus possible to perform cooperative control intended for automatic driving that makes the vehicle travel autonomously without depending on the operation of the driver or the like.

For example, the microcomputer 12051 can classify three-dimensional object data on three-dimensional objects into three-dimensional object data of a two-wheeled vehicle, a standard-sized vehicle, a large-sized vehicle, a pedestrian, a utility pole, and other three-dimensional objects on the basis of the distance information obtained from the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, extract the classified three-dimensional object data, and use the extracted three-dimensional object data for automatic avoidance of an obstacle. For example, the microcomputer 12051 identifies obstacles around the vehicle 12100 as obstacles that the driver of the vehicle 12100 can recognize visually and obstacles that are difficult for the driver of the vehicle 12100 to recognize visually. Then, the microcomputer 12051 determines a collision risk indicating a risk of collision with each obstacle. In a situation in which the collision risk is equal to or higher than a set value and there is thus a possibility of collision, the microcomputer 12051 outputs a warning to the driver via the audio speaker 12061 or the display section 12062, and performs forced deceleration or avoidance steering via the driving system control unit 12010. The microcomputer 12051 can thereby assist in driving to avoid collision.

At least one of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 may be an infrared camera that detects infrared rays. The microcomputer 12051 can, for example, recognize a pedestrian by determining whether or not there is a pedestrian in imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104. Such recognition of a pedestrian is, for example, performed by a procedure of extracting characteristic points in the imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104 as infrared cameras and a procedure of determining whether or not it is the pedestrian by performing pattern matching processing on a series of characteristic points representing the contour of the object. When the microcomputer 12051 determines that there is a pedestrian in the imaged images of the imaging sections 12101 to 12104, and thus recognizes the pedestrian, the sound/image output section 12052 controls the display section 12062 so that a square contour line for emphasis is displayed so as to be superimposed on the recognized pedestrian. The sound/image output section 12052 may also control the display section 12062 so that an icon or the like representing the pedestrian is displayed at a desired position.

In addition, for example, the technology according to the present disclosure may be applied to an endoscopic surgery system.

FIG. 75 is a view depicting an example of a schematic configuration of an endoscopic surgery system to which the technology according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (present technology) can be applied.

In FIG. 75, a state is illustrated in which a surgeon (medical doctor) 11131 is using an endoscopic surgery system 11000 to perform surgery for a patient 11132 on a patient bed 11133. As depicted, the endoscopic surgery system 11000 includes an endoscope 11100, other surgical tools 11110 such as a pneumoperitoneum tube 11111 and an energy device 11112, a supporting arm apparatus 11120 which supports the endoscope 11100 thereon, and a cart 11200 on which various apparatus for endoscopic surgery are mounted.

The endoscope 11100 includes a lens barrel 11101 having a region of a predetermined length from a distal end thereof to be inserted into a body cavity of the patient 11132, and a camera head 11102 connected to a proximal end of the lens barrel 11101. In the example depicted, the endoscope 11100 is depicted which includes as a rigid endoscope having the lens barrel 11101 of the hard type. However, the endoscope 11100 may otherwise be included as a flexible endoscope having the lens barrel 11101 of the flexible type.

The lens barrel 11101 has, at a distal end thereof, an opening in which an objective lens is fitted. A light source apparatus 11203 is connected to the endoscope 11100 such that light generated by the light source apparatus 11203 is introduced to a distal end of the lens barrel 11101 by a light guide extending in the inside of the lens barrel 11101 and is irradiated toward an observation target in a body cavity of the patient 11132 through the objective lens. It is to be noted that the endoscope 11100 may be a forward-viewing endoscope or may be an oblique-viewing endoscope or a side-viewing endoscope.

An optical system and an image pickup element are provided in the inside of the camera head 11102 such that reflected light (observation light) from the observation target is condensed on the image pickup element by the optical system. The observation light is photo-electrically converted by the image pickup element to generate an electric signal corresponding to the observation light, namely, an image signal corresponding to an observation image. The image signal is transmitted as RAW data to a CCU 11201.

The CCU 11201 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU) or the like and integrally controls operation of the endoscope 11100 and a display apparatus 11202. Further, the CCU 11201 receives an image signal from the camera head 11102 and performs, for the image signal, various image processes for displaying an image based on the image signal such as, for example, a development process (demosaic process).

The display apparatus 11202 displays thereon an image based on an image signal, for which the image processes have been performed by the CCU 11201, under the control of the CCU 11201.

The light source apparatus 11203 includes a light source such as, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) and supplies irradiation light upon imaging of a surgical region to the endoscope 11100.

An inputting apparatus 11204 is an input interface for the endoscopic surgery system 11000. A user can perform inputting of various kinds of information or instruction inputting to the endoscopic surgery system 11000 through the inputting apparatus 11204. For example, the user would input an instruction or a like to change an image pickup condition (type of irradiation light, magnification, focal distance or the like) by the endoscope 11100.

A treatment tool controlling apparatus 11205 controls driving of the energy device 11112 for cautery or incision of a tissue, sealing of a blood vessel or the like. A pneumoperitoneum apparatus 11206 feeds gas into a body cavity of the patient 11132 through the pneumoperitoneum tube 11111 to inflate the body cavity in order to secure the field of view of the endoscope 11100 and secure the working space for the surgeon. A recorder 11207 is an apparatus capable of recording various kinds of information relating to surgery. A printer 11208 is an apparatus capable of printing various kinds of information relating to surgery in various forms such as a text, an image or a graph.

It is to be noted that the light source apparatus 11203 which supplies irradiation light when a surgical region is to be imaged to the endoscope 11100 may include a white light source which includes, for example, an LED, a laser light source or a combination of them. Where a white light source includes a combination of red, green, and blue (RGB) laser light sources, since the output intensity and the output timing can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy for each color (each wavelength), adjustment of the white balance of a picked up image can be performed by the light source apparatus 11203. Further, in this case, if laser beams from the respective RGB laser light sources are irradiated time-divisionally on an observation target and driving of the image pickup elements of the camera head 11102 are controlled in synchronism with the irradiation timings. Then images individually corresponding to the R, G and B colors can be also picked up time-divisionally. According to this method, a color image can be obtained even if color filters are not provided for the image pickup element.

Further, the light source apparatus 11203 may be controlled such that the intensity of light to be outputted is changed for each predetermined time. By controlling driving of the image pickup element of the camera head 11102 in synchronism with the timing of the change of the intensity of light to acquire images time-divisionally and synthesizing the images, an image of a high dynamic range free from underexposed blocked up shadows and overexposed highlights can be created.

Further, the light source apparatus 11203 may be configured to supply light of a predetermined wavelength band ready for special light observation. In special light observation, for example, by utilizing the wavelength dependency of absorption of light in a body tissue to irradiate light of a narrow band in comparison with irradiation light upon ordinary observation (namely, white light), narrow band observation (narrow band imaging) of imaging a predetermined tissue such as a blood vessel of a superficial portion of the mucous membrane or the like in a high contrast is performed. Alternatively, in special light observation, fluorescent observation for obtaining an image from fluorescent light generated by irradiation of excitation light may be performed. In fluorescent observation, it is possible to perform observation of fluorescent light from a body tissue by irradiating excitation light on the body tissue (autofluorescence observation) or to obtain a fluorescent light image by locally injecting a reagent such as indocyanine green (ICG) into a body tissue and irradiating excitation light corresponding to a fluorescent light wavelength of the reagent upon the body tissue. The light source apparatus 11203 can be configured to supply such narrow-band light and/or excitation light suitable for special light observation as described above.

FIG. 76 is a block diagram depicting an example of a functional configuration of the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 depicted in FIG. 75.

The camera head 11102 includes a lens unit 11401, an image pickup unit 11402, a driving unit 11403, a communication unit 11404 and a camera head controlling unit 11405. The CCU 11201 includes a communication unit 11411, an image processing unit 11412 and a control unit 11413. The camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 are connected for communication to each other by a transmission cable 11400.

The lens unit 11401 is an optical system, provided at a connecting location to the lens barrel 11101. Observation light taken in from a distal end of the lens barrel 11101 is guided to the camera head 11102 and introduced into the lens unit 11401. The lens unit 11401 includes a combination of a plurality of lenses including a zoom lens and a focusing lens.

The number of image pickup elements which is included by the image pickup unit 11402 may be one (single-plate type) or a plural number (multi-plate type). Where the image pickup unit 11402 is configured as that of the multi-plate type, for example, image signals corresponding to respective R, G and B are generated by the image pickup elements, and the image signals may be synthesized to obtain a color image. The image pickup unit 11402 may also be configured so as to have a pair of image pickup elements for acquiring respective image signals for the right eye and the left eye ready for three dimensional (3D) display. If 3D display is performed, then the depth of a living body tissue in a surgical region can be comprehended more accurately by the surgeon 11131. It is to be noted that, where the image pickup unit 11402 is configured as that of stereoscopic type, a plurality of systems of lens units 11401 are provided corresponding to the individual image pickup elements.

Further, the image pickup unit 11402 may not necessarily be provided on the camera head 11102. For example, the image pickup unit 11402 may be provided immediately behind the objective lens in the inside of the lens barrel 11101.

The driving unit 11403 includes an actuator and moves the zoom lens and the focusing lens of the lens unit 11401 by a predetermined distance along an optical axis under the control of the camera head controlling unit 11405. Consequently, the magnification and the focal point of a picked up image by the image pickup unit 11402 can be adjusted suitably.

The communication unit 11404 includes a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information to and from the CCU 11201. The communication unit 11404 transmits an image signal acquired from the image pickup unit 11402 as RAW data to the CCU 11201 through the transmission cable 11400.

In addition, the communication unit 11404 receives a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102 from the CCU 11201 and supplies the control signal to the camera head controlling unit 11405. The control signal includes information relating to image pickup conditions such as, for example, information that a frame rate of a picked up image is designated, information that an exposure value upon image picking up is designated and/or information that a magnification and a focal point of a picked up image are designated.

It is to be noted that the image pickup conditions such as the frame rate, exposure value, magnification or focal point may be designated by the user or may be set automatically by the control unit 11413 of the CCU 11201 on the basis of an acquired image signal. In the latter case, an auto exposure (AE) function, an auto focus (AF) function and an auto white balance (AWB) function are incorporated in the endoscope 11100.

The camera head controlling unit 11405 controls driving of the camera head 11102 on the basis of a control signal from the CCU 11201 received through the communication unit 11404.

The communication unit 11411 includes a communication apparatus for transmitting and receiving various kinds of information to and from the camera head 11102. The communication unit 11411 receives an image signal transmitted thereto from the camera head 11102 through the transmission cable 11400.

Further, the communication unit 11411 transmits a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102 to the camera head 11102. The image signal and the control signal can be transmitted by electrical communication, optical communication or the like.

The image processing unit 11412 performs various image processes for an image signal in the form of RAW data transmitted thereto from the camera head 11102.

The control unit 11413 performs various kinds of control relating to image picking up of a surgical region or the like by the endoscope 11100 and display of a picked up image obtained by image picking up of the surgical region or the like. For example, the control unit 11413 creates a control signal for controlling driving of the camera head 11102.

Further, the control unit 11413 controls, on the basis of an image signal for which image processes have been performed by the image processing unit 11412, the display apparatus 11202 to display a picked up image in which the surgical region or the like is imaged. Thereupon, the control unit 11413 may recognize various objects in the picked up image using various image recognition technologies. For example, the control unit 11413 can recognize a surgical tool such as forceps, a particular living body region, bleeding, mist when the energy device 11112 is used and so forth by detecting the shape, color and so forth of edges of objects included in a picked up image. The control unit 11413 may cause, when it controls the display apparatus 11202 to display a picked up image, various kinds of surgery supporting information to be displayed in an overlapping manner with an image of the surgical region using a result of the recognition. Where surgery supporting information is displayed in an overlapping manner and presented to the surgeon 11131, the burden on the surgeon 11131 can be reduced and the surgeon 11131 can proceed with the surgery with certainty.

The transmission cable 11400 which connects the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 to each other is an electric signal cable ready for communication of an electric signal, an optical fiber ready for optical communication or a composite cable ready for both of electrical and optical communications.

Here, while, in the example depicted, communication is performed by wired communication using the transmission cable 11400, the communication between the camera head 11102 and the CCU 11201 may be performed by wireless communication.

It is to be noted that while the description has been given here of the endoscopic surgery system as one example, the technology according to the present disclosure may also be applied to, for example, a micrographic surgery system and the like.

It is to be noted that the present disclosure may also have the following configurations.

[A01]<<Imaging Element>>

An imaging element including a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode that are stacked, in which

a protection layer including an inorganic oxide, and an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are formed from side of the photoelectric conversion section directly below the photoelectric conversion layer.

[A02]

The imaging element according to [A01], in which a metal atom included in the protection layer has an oxygen deficiency generation energy of 5 eV or more.

[A03]

The imaging element according to [A02], in which the following expression is satisfied:

E _(OD-1) −E _(OD-2)≥1 eV

where E_(OD-1) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the protection layer and E_(OD-2) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of a metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[A04]

The imaging element according to [A02] or [A03], in which a metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer has an oxygen deficiency generation energy of 3 eV or more.

[A05]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A04], in which the following expression is satisfied:

E ₀ ≥E ₁

where E₀ denotes an energy average value in a LUMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer, and E₁ denotes an energy average value in a maximum energy value of a conduction band of the protection layer.

[A06]

The imaging element according to [A05], in which E₀−E₁≥0.1 (eV) is satisfied.

[A07]

The imaging element according to [A06], in which the following expression is satisfied:

E ₁ −E ₂≥0.1 (eV)

where E₂ denotes a minimum energy value of a conduction band of a material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[A08]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A07], in which the following expression is satisfied:

E ₁ −E ₂≥0.1 (eV)

where E₁ denotes a minimum energy value of a conduction band of the inorganic oxide included in the protection layer, and E₂ denotes a minimum energy value of a conduction band of a material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[A09]

The imaging element according to [A08], in which E₁−E₂≥0.1 (eV) is satisfied.

[A10]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A09], in which the protection layer includes Nb_(a)Ti_(b)O_(c) (where a+b+c=1.00).

[A11]

The imaging element according to [A10], in which 0.05≤a≤0.25 and 0.05≤b≤0.25 are satisfied.

[A12]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A11], in which the protection layer prevents entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[A13]

The imaging element according to [A12], in which as a hydrogen blocking capability of the protection layer, a hydrogen ion relative intensity ratio detected during heating to 350° C. that is measured with use of thermal desorption spectroscopy is 0.1 or less with an intensity ratio when heating titanium as 1.0.

[A14]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A13], in which the photoelectric conversion section further includes an insulating layer, and a charge accumulation electrode that is disposed at a distance from the first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[A15]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A14], in which electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer moves to the first electrode via the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[A16]

The imaging element according to [A15], in which the electric charge includes an electron.

[A17]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A16], in which a material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer has a carrier mobility of 10 cm²/V·s or more.

[A18]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A17], in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer has a carrier concentration (carrier density) of 1×10¹⁶/cm³ or less.

[A19]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A18], in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer is amorphous.

[A20]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A19], in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer has a thickness of 1×10⁻⁸ m to 1.5×10⁻⁷ m.

[B01]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [A20], further including a semiconductor substrate, in which

the photoelectric conversion section is disposed above the semiconductor substrate.

[B02]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B01], in which the first electrode extends in an opening provided in an insulating layer and is coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer.

[B03]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B01], in which the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer extend in an opening provided in an insulating layer and are coupled to the first electrode.

[B04]

The imaging element according to [B03], in which

an edge of a top surface of the first electrode is covered with the insulating layer,

a side surface of the opening is sloped to widen the opening from a first surface toward a second surface, where the first surface is a surface of the insulating layer in contact with the top surface of the first electrode, and the second surface is a surface of the insulating layer in contact with a portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer opposed to a charge accumulation electrode.

[B05]

The imaging element according to [B04], in which the side surface of the opening that is sloped to widen the opening from the first surface toward the second surface is positioned on side of the charge accumulation electrode.

[B06]<<Control of Potentials of First Electrode and Charge Accumulation Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B05], further including a control section provided in a semiconductor substrate and including a drive circuit, in which

the first electrode and a charge accumulation electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,

during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer), and

during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) is read out to the control section via the first electrode.

Note that a potential of the first electrode is higher than a potential of the second electrode, and V₃₁≥V₁₁ and V₃₂<V₁₂ hold true.

[B07]<<Lower Charge Movement Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B06], in which a lower charge movement control electrode is formed in a region opposed to, with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, a region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements.

[B08]<<Control of Potentials of First Electrode, Charge Accumulation Electrode, and Lower Charge Movement Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to [B07], further including a control section provided in a semiconductor substrate and including a drive circuit, in which

the first electrode, the second electrode, a charge accumulation electrode, and a lower charge movement control electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,

during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₄₁ is applied to the lower charge movement control electrode, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer), and

during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₄₂ is applied to the lower charge movement control electrode, and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) is read out to the control section via the first electrode.

Note that V₃₁≥V₁₁, V₃₁>V₄₁, and V₁₂>V₃₂>V₄₂ hold true.

[B09]<<Upper Charge Movement Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B06], in which an upper charge movement control electrode is formed on a region of the photoelectric conversion layer positioned between adjacent imaging elements, instead of forming the second electrode.

[B10]

The imaging element according to [B09], in which the second electrode is provided for each imaging element, and the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided, at a distance from the second electrode, on a region-A of the photoelectric conversion layer.

[B11]

The imaging element according to [B09], in which the second electrode is provided for each imaging element, the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided at a distance from the second electrode, and a portion of a charge accumulation electrode is present below the upper charge movement control electrode.

[B12]

The imaging element according to any one of [B09] to [B11], in which the second electrode is provided for each imaging element, the upper charge movement control electrode surrounds at least a portion of the second electrode and is provided at a distance from the second electrode, a portion of a charge accumulation electrode is present below the upper charge movement control electrode, and furthermore, a lower charge movement control electrode is formed below the upper charge movement control electrode.

[B13]<<Control of Potentials of First Electrode, Charge Accumulation Electrode, and Charge Movement Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [B09] to [B12], further including a control section provided in a semiconductor substrate and including a drive circuit, in which

the first electrode, the second electrode, a charge accumulation electrode, and a charge movement control electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,

during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₂₁ is applied to the second electrode, a potential V₄₁ is applied to the charge movement control electrode, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer), and

during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₂₂ is applied to the second electrode, a potential V₄₂ is applied to the charge movement control electrode, and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) is read out to the control section via the first electrode.

Note that V₂₁≥V₄₁ and V₂₂≥V₄₂ hold true.

[B14]<<Transfer Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B13], further including a transfer control electrode disposed at a distance from the first electrode and a charge accumulation electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with an insulating layer interposed therebetween.

[B15]<<Control of First Electrode, Charge Accumulation Electrode, and Transfer Control Electrode>>

The imaging element according to [B14], further including a control section provided in a semiconductor substrate and including a drive circuit, in which

the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the transfer control electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,

during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₅₁ is applied to the transfer control electrode, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer), and

during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₅₂ is applied to the transfer control electrode, and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) is read out to the control section via the first electrode.

Note that a potential of the first electrode is higher than a potential of the second electrode, and V₃₁>V₅₁ and V₃₂≤V₅₂≤V₁₂ hold true.

[B16]<<Charge Drain Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B15], further including a charge drain electrode coupled to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and disposed at a distance from the first electrode and a charge accumulation electrode.

[B17]

The imaging element according to [B16], in which the charge drain electrode is disposed to surround the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode.

[B18]

The imaging element according to [B16] or [B17], in which

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and the protection layer extend in a second opening provided in an insulating layer and are coupled to the charge drain electrode,

an edge of a top surface of the charge drain electrode is covered with the insulating layer,

the charge drain electrode is exposed at a bottom surface of the second opening, and

a side surface of the second opening is sloped to widen the second opening from a third surface toward a second surface, where the third surface is a surface of the insulating layer in contact with the top surface of the charge drain electrode, and the second surface is a surface of the insulating layer in contact with a portion of the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer opposed to the charge accumulation electrode.

[B19]<<Control of Potentials of First Electrode, Charge Accumulation Electrode, and Charge Drain Electrode>>

The imaging element according to any one of [B16] to [B18], further including a control section provided in a semiconductor substrate and including a drive circuit, in which

the first electrode, the charge accumulation electrode, and the charge drain electrode are coupled to the drive circuit,

during a charge accumulation period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₁ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₁ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₆₁ is applied to the charge drain electrode, and electric charge is accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer), and

during a charge transfer period, from the drive circuit, a potential V₁₂ is applied to the first electrode, a potential V₃₂ is applied to the charge accumulation electrode, a potential V₆₂ is applied to the charge drain electrode, and the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer (or the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer) is read out to the control section via the first electrode.

Note that a potential of the first electrode is higher than a potential of the second electrode, and V₆₁>V₁₁ and V₆₂<V₁₂ hold true.

[B20]<<Charge Accumulation Electrode Segment>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B19], in which a charge accumulation electrode includes a plurality of charge accumulation electrode segments.

[B21]

The imaging element according to [B20], in which

in a case where a potential of the first electrode is higher than a potential of the second electrode, during a charge transfer period, a potential to be applied to a charge accumulation electrode segment positioned closest to the first electrode is higher than a potential to be applied to a charge accumulation electrode segment positioned farthest from the first electrode, and

in a case where the potential of the first electrode is lower than the potential of the second electrode, during the charge transfer period, the potential to be applied to the charge accumulation electrode segment positioned closest to the first electrode is lower than the potential to be applied to the charge accumulation electrode segment positioned farthest from the first electrode.

[B22]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B21], in which

at least a floating diffusion layer and an amplification transistor included in a control section are provided in a semiconductor substrate, and

the first electrode is coupled to the floating diffusion layer and a gate section of the amplification transistor.

[B23]

The imaging element according to [B22], in which

a reset transistor and a selection transistor included in the control section are further provided in the semiconductor substrate,

the floating diffusion layer is coupled to one of source/drain regions of the reset transistor, and

one of source/drain regions of the amplification transistor is coupled to one of source/drain regions of the selection transistor, and another one of the source/drain regions of the selection transistor is coupled to a signal line.

[B24]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B23], in which a charge accumulation electrode is larger in size than the first electrode.

[B25]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B24], in which light enters from side of the second electrode, and a light-blocking layer is formed on light incident side closer to the second electrode.

[B26]

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B24], in which light enters from side of the second electrode, and no light enters the first electrode.

[B27]

The imaging element according to [B26], in which a light-blocking layer is formed on light incident side closer to the second electrode and above the first electrode.

[B28]

The imaging element according to [B26], in which

an on-chip microlens is provided above a charge accumulation electrode and the second electrode, and

light entering the on-chip microlens is condensed onto the charge accumulation electrode.

[B29]<<Imaging Element: First Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2) photoelectric conversion section segments,

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,

an insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,

a charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation electrode segments,

an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th photoelectric conversion layer segment,

the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode and

thicknesses of the insulating layer segments gradually change from a first photoelectric conversion section segment to an N-th photoelectric conversion section segment.

[B30]<<Imaging Element: Second Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2) photoelectric conversion section segments,

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,

an insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,

a charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation electrode segments,

an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th photoelectric conversion layer segment,

the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode, and

thicknesses of the photoelectric conversion layer segments gradually change from a first photoelectric conversion section segment to an N-th photoelectric conversion section segment.

[B31]<<Imaging Element: Third Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2) photoelectric conversion section segments,

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,

an insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,

a charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation electrode segments,

an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th photoelectric conversion layer segment,

the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode, and

materials included in the insulating layer segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments.

[B32]<<Imaging Element: Fourth Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2) photoelectric conversion section segments,

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,

an insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,

a charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation electrode segments disposed at a distance from each other,

an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th photoelectric conversion layer segment,

the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode, and

materials included in the charge accumulation electrode segments are different between adjacent photoelectric conversion section segments.

[B33]<<Imaging Element: Fifth Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes N (where N≥2) photoelectric conversion section segments,

the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, the protection layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer include N photoelectric conversion layer segments,

an insulating layer includes N insulating layer segments,

a charge accumulation electrode includes N charge accumulation electrode segments disposed at a distance from each other,

an n-th (where n=1, 2, 3 . . . N) photoelectric conversion section segment includes an n-th charge accumulation electrode segment, an n-th insulating layer segment, and an n-th photoelectric conversion layer segment,

the photoelectric conversion section segment with a larger value of n is positioned farther away from the first electrode, and

areas of the charge accumulation electrode segments gradually decrease from a first photoelectric conversion section segment to an N-th photoelectric conversion section segment.

[B34]<<Imaging Element: Sixth Configuration>>

The imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B28], in which a cross-sectional area of a stacked portion in which a charge accumulation electrode, an insulating layer, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer are stacked, as cut along a Y—Z virtual plane, changes depending on a distance from the first electrode, where a Z direction is a stacking direction of the charge accumulation electrode, the insulating layer, the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer, and the photoelectric conversion layer, and an X direction is a direction away from the first electrode.

[C01]<<Stacked Imaging Element>>

A stacked imaging element including at least one imaging element according to any one of [A01] to [B34].

[D01]<<Solid-State Imaging Device: First Mode>>

A solid-state imaging device including a plurality of the imaging elements according to any one of [A01] to [B34].

[D02]<<Solid-State Imaging Device: Second Mode>>

A solid-state imaging device including a plurality of the stacked imaging elements according to [C01].

[E01]<<Solid-State Imaging Device: First Configuration>>

A solid-state imaging device including a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode that are stacked, in which

the photoelectric conversion section includes a plurality of the imaging elements according to any one of [A01] to [B34],

a plurality of the imaging elements constitutes an imaging element block, and

the first electrode is shared by the plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block.

[E02]<<Solid-State Imaging Device: Second Configuration>>

A solid-state imaging device including a plurality of the stacked imaging elements according to [C01], in which

a plurality of the imaging elements constitutes an imaging element block, and

the first electrode is shared by the plurality of imaging elements constituting the imaging element block.

[E03]

The solid-state imaging device according to [E01] or [E02], in which one on-chip microlens is disposed above one of the imaging elements.

[E04]

The solid-state imaging device according to [E01] or [E02], in which

two imaging elements constitute an imaging element block, and

one on-chip microlens is disposed above the imaging element block.

[E05]

The solid-state imaging device according to any one of [E01] to [E04], in which one floating diffusion layer is provided for the plurality of imaging elements.

[E06]

The solid-state imaging device according to any one of [E01] to [E05], in which the first electrode is disposed to be adjacent to a charge accumulation electrode of each imaging element.

[E07]

The solid-state imaging device according to any one of [E01] to [E06], in which the first electrode is disposed to be adjacent to some of charge accumulation electrodes of the plurality of imaging elements and not disposed to be adjacent to the rest of the charge accumulation electrodes of the plurality of imaging elements.

[E08]

The solid-state imaging device according to of [E07], in which a distance between a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element and a charge accumulation electrode included in an imaging element is longer than a distance between the first electrode and the charge accumulation electrode in an imaging element adjacent to the first electrode.

[F01]<<Driving Method of Solid-State Imaging Device>>

A method of driving a solid-state imaging device, the solid-state imaging device including a plurality of imaging elements, each of the plurality of imaging elements including a photoelectric conversion section that includes a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode that are stacked, the photoelectric conversion section further including a charge accumulation electrode disposed at a distance from the first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the photoelectric conversion layer with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and each of the plurality of imaging elements having a structure in which light enters from side of the second electrode and no light enters the first electrode,

the method of driving the solid-state imaging device repeating the steps of:

draining electric charge in the first electrodes out of a system all at once while accumulating electric charge in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers in all of the imaging elements; and thereafter,

transferring the electric charge accumulated in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layers all at once to the first electrodes in all of the imaging elements, and after completion of the transferring, sequentially reading out the electric charge transferred to the first electrodes in the respective imaging elements.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 imaging element (stacked imaging element, first imaging         element)     -   11 second imaging element     -   12 third imaging element     -   13 various constituent elements of imaging element positioned         below interlayer insulating layer     -   14 on-chip microlens (OCL)     -   15 light-blocking layer     -   21 first electrode     -   22 second electrode     -   23 photoelectric conversion stack     -   23A photoelectric conversion layer     -   23B protection layer     -   23C inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer     -   23D inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer and protection         layer     -   24 charge accumulation electrode     -   24A, 24B, 24C charge accumulation electrode segment     -   25, 25A, 25B transfer control electrode (charge transfer         electrode)     -   26 charge drain electrode     -   27 lower charge movement control electrode (lower side/charge         movement control electrode)     -   27A connection hole     -   27B pad section     -   28 upper charge movement control electrode (upper side/charge         movement control electrode)     -   41 n-type semiconductor region included in second imaging         element     -   43 n-type semiconductor region included in third imaging element     -   42, 44, 73 p+ layer     -   45, 46 gate section of transfer transistor     -   51 gate section of reset transistor TR1 _(rst)     -   51A channel formation region of reset transistor TR1 _(rst)     -   51B, 51C source/drain region of reset transistor TR1 _(rst)     -   52 gate section of amplification transistor TR1 _(amp)     -   52A channel formation region of amplification transistor TR1         _(amp)     -   52B, 52C source/drain region of amplification transistor TR1         _(amp)     -   53 gate section of selection transistor TR1 _(sel)     -   53A channel formation region of selection transistor TR1 _(sel)     -   53B, 53C source/drain region of selection transistor TR1 _(sel)     -   61 contact hole section     -   62 wiring layer     -   63, 64, 68A pad section     -   65, 68B connection hole     -   66, 67, 69 connection section     -   70 semiconductor substrate     -   70A first surface (front surface) of semiconductor substrate     -   70B second surface (back surface) of semiconductor substrate     -   71 element separation region     -   72 insulating material film     -   74 HfO₂ film     -   75 insulating material film     -   76, 81 interlayer insulating layer     -   82 insulating layer     -   82 _(A) region between adjacent imaging elements (region-a)     -   83 protection material layer     -   84 opening     -   85 second opening     -   100 solid-state imaging device     -   101 stacked imaging element     -   111 imaging region     -   112 vertical drive circuit     -   113 column signal processing circuit     -   114 horizontal drive circuit     -   115 output circuit     -   116 drive control circuit     -   117 signal line (data output line)     -   118 horizontal signal line     -   200 electronic apparatus (camera)     -   201 solid-state imaging device     -   210 optical lens     -   211 shutter device     -   212 drive circuit     -   213 signal processing circuit     -   FD₁, FD₂, FD₃, 45C, 46C floating diffusion layer     -   TR1 _(trs), TR2 _(trs), TR3 _(trs) transfer transistor     -   TR1 _(rst), TR2 _(rst), TR3 _(rst) reset transistor     -   TR1 _(amp), TR2 _(amp), TR3 _(amp) amplification transistor     -   TR1 _(sel), TR3 _(sel), TR3 _(sel) selection transistor     -   V_(DD) power Supply     -   RST₁, RST₂, RST₃ reset line     -   SEL₁, SEL₂, SEL₃ selection line     -   117, VSL, VSL₁, VSL₂, VSL₃ signal line (data output line)     -   TG₂, TG₃ transfer gate line     -   V_(OA), V_(OB), V_(OT), V_(OU) wiring line 

1: An imaging element comprising a photoelectric conversion section including a first electrode, a photoelectric conversion layer, and a second electrode that are stacked, wherein a protection layer including an inorganic oxide, and an inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer are formed from side of the photoelectric conversion section directly below the photoelectric conversion layer. 2: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein a metal atom included in the protection layer has an oxygen deficiency generation energy of 5 eV or more. 3: The imaging element according to claim 2, wherein the following expression is satisfied: E _(OD-1) −E _(OD-2)≥1 eV where E_(OD-1) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of the metal atom included in the protection layer and E_(OD-2) denotes oxygen deficiency generation energy of a metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. 4: The imaging element according to claim 3, wherein the metal atom included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer has an oxygen deficiency generation energy of 3 eV or more. 5: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the following expression is satisfied: E ₀ ≥E ₁ where E₀ denotes an energy average value in a LUMO value of the photoelectric conversion layer, and E₁ denotes an energy average value in a maximum energy value of a conduction band of the protection layer. 6: The imaging element according to claim 5, wherein E₀−E₁≥0.1 (eV) is satisfied. 7: The imaging element according to claim 6, wherein the following expression is satisfied: E ₁ −E ₂≥0.1 (eV) where E₂ denotes a minimum energy value of a conduction band of a material included in the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. 8: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the protection layer includes Nb_(a)Ti_(b)O_(c) (where a+b+c=1.00). 9: The imaging element according to claim 8, wherein 0.05≤a≤0.25 and 0.05≤b≤0.25 are satisfied. 10: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the protection layer prevents entry of hydrogen into the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. 11: The imaging element according to claim 10, wherein as a hydrogen blocking capability of the protection layer, a hydrogen ion relative intensity ratio detected during heating to 350° C. that is measured with use of thermal desorption spectroscopy is 0.1 or less with an intensity ratio when heating titanium as 1.0. 12: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein the photoelectric conversion section further includes an insulating layer, and a charge accumulation electrode that is disposed at a distance from the first electrode and disposed to be opposed to the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer with the insulating layer interposed therebetween. 13: The imaging element according to claim 1, wherein electric charge generated in the photoelectric conversion layer moves to the first electrode via the protection layer and the inorganic oxide semiconductor material layer. 14: The imaging element according to claim 13, wherein the electric charge comprises an electron. 15: A stacked imaging element comprising at least one imaging element according to claim
 1. 16: A solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of the imaging elements according to claim
 1. 17: A solid-state imaging device comprising a plurality of the stacked imaging elements according to claim
 15. 